ALMOST three-quarters of Scottish cancer patients facing operations go to hospital on their own, research revealed today.
A survey by charity Macmillan Cancer Support found 72% of sufferers who needed surgery in Scotland attended appointments by themselves - compared to 61% for the whole of the UK.
More than half the Scots who had chemotherapy or radiotherapy also went to at least one of session alone.
Many of the patients, 58%, told the researchers they did not think it was necessary to have company and 31% wanted to go solo.
However, a third of the participants said they attended hospital on their own because they did not want to burden friends or family, or because their usual partner was not available. A small proportion, 6%, said there was no-one they could ask to go with them.
Janice Preston, general manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, said: "It is extremely saddening that cancer patients are facing, what is for many people one of the most frightening experience of their lives, without anyone to support them. Going to surgery or treatment alone can have a devastating impact on patients. Having someone to act as an advocate, asking the doctor the questions they might not have thought to ask because they are too overwhelmed, or to reassure if someone is feeling stressed or anxious can make a frightening time that bit easier."
The survey was conducted online by YouGov for Macmillan and 172 people in Scotland took part.
Macmillan Cancer Support has a website called The Source with tips advising people how to offer appropriate support to cancer patients.
Ms Preston said: "If you're going through cancer, having a friend or relative supporting you, whether that's cooking you a hot meal or going with you to appointments, makes the world of difference."
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