More than £18,000 was given to around fifty people living with cancer in Bath and North East Somerset by the Macmillan Cancer Support charity last year, it has been revealed.
As many cancer patients on low incomes struggle with the financial fallout of a diagnosis, compounded by the current cost of living crisis and Covid-19, Macmillan is urging anyone in need to seek their support.
Macmillan Grants help people pay for essentials such as heating bills and hospital transport costs after they were diagnosed with cancer or underwent cancer treatment.
A cancer diagnosis often brings increased and unexpected living costs, such as requiring wigs or post-surgery clothing, a new bed for someone who can no longer climb the stairs to their bedroom, or fresh bedding for those experiencing incontinence and other treatment side effects.
Research by Macmillan found that across the UK, 83% of people diagnosed with cancer suffered a financial impact.
One of the biggest expenses facing people with cancer is higher energy bills. Many people undergoing cancer treatment need to have the heating on for longer periods due to the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
With domestic energy costs rising earlier this month, and further increases expected in October when the energy price cap is raised again, this year could present a triple threat for people with cancer, who are already struggling with the financial impact of their diagnosis and the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In recognition of the extraordinary challenges facing cancer patients in 2022, Macmillan has made an extra £3.5 million of emergency funds available, to help pay escalating fuel bills.
In the first six weeks of 2022, Macmillan has given out over £1.6 million in grants to support vulnerable patients across the UK, an increase of 33% on the same time last year.
One such recipient, Alison, explained how their Macmillan grant helped with the cost of living.
She said: “At its best, sickness benefit helps claimants in the short term. Most people aren’t unwell for very long, so it prevents them falling into a hole of debt. But the longer you are on it, the more it does not cover your costs.
“My Macmillan Welfare Adviser helped secure me the benefits to which I am entitled.”
Karen Gough, Macmillan Benefits Advisor at Citizens Advice Bath & North East Somerset, said: “It’s been an incredibly tough few years for people with cancer.
“Covid-19 continues to cause great challenges for the clinically vulnerable and now cancer patients are having to contend with a cost of living crisis that has seen prices for fuel and food rocket.
“Macmillan is here for everyone with cancer. But we know there are always more people that we could be helping.
“So, if you are someone in need of our support, we will do everything we can to ensure you get the practical advice and help that can make life with cancer not simply about survival.”
Across the UK, Macmillan gave over £12.3 million to over 33,000 cancer patients in 2021.
Macmillan grants are, in most cases, a one-off, means-tested payment of £350 to help with the extra costs that living with cancer can bring.
Anyone over 18, who has been diagnosed with cancer or undergoing treatment can apply.
To find out more about Macmillan grants, including who can apply, call either Citizens Advice BANES on 0808 278 7897 or the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.