CANCER patients in Scotland are skipping meals and worrying about losing their homes because of a drop in income and higher living costs.

New research by a leading charity reveals that hundreds of cancer patients are living close to the breadline due to their illness, with 73% experiencing a loss of income and increased costs such as hospital travel and higher utility bills.

The study, commissioned by Macmillan, found that more than half of Scots patients were anxious about money with 8% forced to cut back on everyday essentials such as food.

Charity leaders fear the situation will worsen if plans to cut support to cancer patients go through as part of the controversial Welfare Reform Bill, which is being debated at Westminster tomorrow.

Under another proposal, patients needing immediate financial help to cover extra costs following their diagnosis will also be forced to wait six months instead of three to get the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

The findings have been branded “shameful” by Labour’s Shadow Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, who said the proposals underlined a harsh streak in the Coalition Government.

The survey found that two thirds of cancer patients (71%) in Scotland reported an increase in costs as a result of travelling to hospital or an increase in household expenses.

Almost a fifth (19%) of patients across the UK who reported being financially affected by their illness were forced to cut back on essentials such as food.

In Scotland, 16% of sufferers had problems paying household bills and 10% were scared of losing their home.

The Bill being proposed will make 7000 cancer patients up to £94 a week worse off due to the changes to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Around 30,000 people in Scotland are diagnosed with cancer each year, costing many of them thousands of pounds, with an average spend of £636 on travel and parking in the course of their treatment .

Other costs can include higher heating bills, buying new clothes because of weight loss or gain and increased food bills due to special diet needs.

Elspeth Atkinson, director of Macmillan Scotland said: “Cancer is an expensive disease to live with, but this research shows just how close to the breadline many cancer patients really are.

“While we understand the benefits system is in need of reform, certain changes in the Welfare Reform Bill could have catastrophic effects on many families already struggling.

“We know many Lords oppose these proposals and hope they support cancer patients as the Bill makes its way through Parliament.”

Macmillan want the Welfare Reform Bill amended to allow everyone eligible for ESA to receive it for as long as needed and not just for a fixed period. The charity also say it is unacceptable to make cancer patients wait six months to access PIP.

Macmillan’s research showed that 70% of Scottish cancer patients say the biggest impact on their finances came in the six months following diagnosis, with 42% feeling the greatest impact in the first three months.

Ms McGuire said: “It is utterly shameful that any patient would have to miss meals or worry about losing their home, just because they have cancer and the last thing they need is the Government threatening to take away their help.

“There is a cold, harsh streak running through the Government’s proposals here.”

Research has shown that more than half of all terminally ill cancer patients do not claim benefits they are entitled to.

Complicated benefits forms, a lack of awareness of entitlements, embarrassment or simply feeling too ill or emotionally drained, prevents many people accessing welfare benefits.