Cancer patients in London face a double blow to their finances caused by increased costs as a result of their cancer diagnosis coupled with the cost of living crisis.
Domestic energy prices could rise as much as 50% in the spring and are likely to severely impact people living with cancer. In addition to the current cost of living crisis, further research from Macmillan shows one in six people with cancer in London (16%) see their household fuel bills rise simply as a result of their diagnosis. The average increase in cost for those affected across the UK overall reaches £100 a month[i].
Macmillan Cancer Support has given out more than £50,000 to support vulnerable cancer patients in London with heating bills in just the past three months alone[ii].
Since August 2021, living costs have been rising and cancer patients are among the worst affected. The cost of heating is currently the number one issue people with cancer are turning to Macmillan for financial support[iii].
Nearly 8 in 10 people with cancer in the capital (79%) experience some kind of financial impact from their diagnosis, and for those affected, this reaches an average of more than £1,000 a month, on top of their usual expenditure[iv].
Sarah, a freelance producer and comedian from London, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2018.
Sarah: “As a freelancer, I have always worked hard to make sure that as soon as one contract ends, I’d have another lined up, but due to my cancer treatment and several operations, I was left with no choice other than to take some time out and without any income.
I’ve really struggled, the system is hard to navigate and on several occasions I’ve been left worried sick about how I am going to pay the bills, keep a roof over my head and put food on the table. The Macmillan Support Line helped demystify terminology and gave me questions to ask around my diagnosis when I was feeling very lost and under-informed.
As a result of my treatment, I’ve also had to think about new clothes because my body has changed as well as home adjustments. It has not been easy, no one should go into debt to combat cancer.
I received financial advice from Macmillan, who made me aware that I could receive PIP payments. They also helped me to get my mortgage payments frozen.”
Emma Tingley, Macmillan Head of Partnerships for London said:
“Keeping warm is especially important for people with cancer. We know that many cancer patients experience side effects from their treatment, such as neuropathy, which means they feel the cold more or spend more time at home because of their treatment, therefore needing to have the heating on more regularly.
Some people living with cancer are at higher risk of infection or have particular cancers such as prostate and bowel that require the use of more energy and water for cleaning bedding and clothes more frequently.
A cancer diagnosis changes a person’s life and financial situation. Some people can’t work and their earnings drop. At the same time, living costs go up and people are struggling with mounting bills and higher energy price are added on top of extra financial burdens as a result of their diagnosis.”
Macmillan is doing whatever it takes to give people living with cancer the support they need. For more information and support, visit Macmillan’s website for energy advice, grants information and to find your local Macmillan Benefits Advice service. The Macmillan Support Line is open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm, or you can access peer support 24 hours a day via Macmillan’s online community.
