Cancer carers 'miss out on vital support'

Research by Macmillan Cancer Support said that as many as 1.1 million people in Britain looking after someone with cancer are unaware they could be entitled to a carer's assessment or benefits.

And only a mere 5 per cent have undergone a carers' assessment with their local authority, which allows them access to practical, emotional and financial support.

The charity said the statistics may explain why 46 per cent of those caring for a loved one with cancer experience mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and depression and why one in eight suffer physical health issues such as sleep and digestive problems.

Nineteen-year-old Rebecca Guyott, from Essex, and her sisters have been caring for their mother since she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2010, unaware that they could have been entitled to the assessment or benefits.

Ms Guyott said: "It was left to me and my sisters to look after her and as a carer I found it a big strain. At work I often had to leave the office because of the emotional stress.

"I'd get home and do all the cleaning, washing and cooking as mum could hardly stand, let alone do anything for herself.

"After just a week of this I slept so badly because of the worry and then could barely wake up the next morning to go into work and start all over again."

One in seven carers also face financial problems due to their caring commitments, including increased travel costs and money issues caused by giving up work to care for their loved one.

Macmillan chief executive Ciaran Devane said: "Our research shows how unsupported cancer carers really are in Britain.

"Carers want to look after their family or friend with cancer - but it is often at the expense of their own mental or physical health.

"Cancer is no longer necessarily a death sentence and this means there is a growing need for people to care for their family member or friend with cancer."

willstone@peoples-press.com