Cancer charity wants more help for victims

A cancer charity wants more help for people living with the long-term effects of the disease.

Macmillan Cancer Support says many of the two million people affected are suffering needlessly and in silence.

It claims they are overlooked by health and social care services which frequently miss the long-term physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment. It says four in five have experienced at least one physical health problem within the past 12 months.

Macmillan’s Maureen Rutter said: “Far too many distressed cancer survivors are left to suffer alone. It’s great that people are surviving cancer but we cannot desert them after their initial treatment is over.”

With a rising number of people diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year, the charity says the situation is set to get worse.

It wants the Government to introduce simple measures to support survivors, such as offering a post-treatment assessment and providing them with information about possible consequences of cancer and its treatment. It also says there should be clear and swift access back into the specialist system if health needs change.

Macmillan Cancer Support is helping to plug the gap by offering help to cancer survivors and their family and friends. Anyone in need of medical, practical, emotional or financial information and support can call Macmillan on 0800-500 800 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk