FAMILIES coping with cancer in Scotland have just 40p a day left after paying for essentials, according to new research.
The average family in Scotland is left with around £435 each month after paying for necessities such as bills, food and everyday travel, but the monthly cost of cancer adds an averages of £422 to the average bill.
Macmillan Cancer Support, which did carried out the analysis, also found working parents with young children are hit hardest by the financial implications cost of cancer.
The charity warns that an adult being diagnosed with cancer could therefore leave the average Scottish family with just £13 a month – 40p a day – even if they were to cut out all leisure activities and reduce their spending to bare essentials.
Extra costs include travel to and from hospital appointments; an increase in household bills due to being at home more and feeling the cold after treatment; and paying for extra support with help at home such as cleaning.
Many people also have to cut down their working hours or stop working altogether.
Janice Preston, head of Macmillan services for Scotland, said: “While our analysis shows that Scottish families affected by cancer are on average not facing the same level of financial hardship as across the UK, 40p a day is still a remarkably low figure.
“Macmillan regularly hears from people who are struggling with severe financial problems and who rely on its finance and benefits advice service. These are families whose world has already been turned upside down and now they can’t afford to see their friends or buy small treats like a magazine or a toy for their children.
“When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you might not realise the impact it will have on your finances, but there is help available. Macmillan offers financial information and support to help people cope and get them back on their feet.”
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