Cancer sufferers' heating woes (From Worcester News)

Cancer sufferers' heating woes

2:00am Friday 30th October 2009 in

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CANCER patients are twice as likely to fall into fuel poverty according to research from a cancer charity.

Macmillan Cancer Support is calling on the government to offer cancer patients most in need to get the winter fuel payment, just like the elderly.

Research has shown that following diagnosis, three-quarters (73 per cent) of cancer patients in active treatment need to use their heating more yet those under 60 do not qualify for any help to pay for it.

In Herefordshire and Worcestershire alone, Macmillan helped 91 different patients with fuel grants from September 2008 to September 2009, awarding £16,990.

Steve Richards, regional director at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “People undergoing cancer treatment spend more time at home as they’re often too ill to work. The effects of treatment can make them feel the cold more, and then they need the heating on higher and for longer which leads to increased fuel bills; all at a time when their household income plummets.”

HAnyone struggling with fuel bills can get hold of a free fuel poverty fact sheet by calling 0808 808 00 00 or visiting macmillan.org.uk/fuelpoverty