Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
12 August 2014 10:11
Cancer patients need the support of friends and family
Cancer patients who feel lonely are far more likely to encounter problems with their treatment plans, a charity has said.
Macmillan Cancer Support says sufferers who feel on their own are three times more likely to experience difficulties as those who don't.
The cancer charity surveyed more than 1,000 people across the UK who have been told they have the disease.
It revealed that almost a quarter (22%) have felt lonely since diagnosis.
Nearly a third (31%) of those feeling lonely have faced at least one problem with their treatment plan, compared to only 11% of those who feel fully supported.
And that support doesn't solely need to be at the home - with specialist cancer travel insurance patients can join their family and loved ones on holiday, while retaining peace of mind.
Jacqui Graves, head of health and social care at Macmillan Cancer Support, says lonely cancer sufferers often lack the practical support they need to leave the house and attend medical appointments.
Living in rural or remote areas and being unable to drive can also make it more difficult to collect prescriptions or medication.
She added that some patients only attend appointments when they are persuaded to by friends and family.
Macmillian chief executive Ciaran Devane describes loneliness as "particularly toxic" to cancer sufferers. He said it is "simply unacceptable" that many cancer sufferers are putting their recovery at risk due to a lack of support.
Mr Devane urged for more to done to tackle the issue of loneliness, saying that with the UK's living-with-cancer population expected to double to four million by 2030, the problem is only likely to get bigger.
He called on health professionals to identify lonely patients and help them find the support available so they don't end up suffering their disease alone.
19 January 2019
Every three seconds, someone in the UK has an asthma attack - new figures show.
[more...]
18 January 2019
A plant-based diet is needed to protect future generations and safeguard the wellbeing of the planet, according to experts.
17 January 2019
Campaigners are protesting outside the High Court in London as the legal challenge against Heathrow Airport's controversial expansion ramps up.
16 January 2019
A new way to predict a woman's risk of breast cancer has been unveiled by scientists - and it's the most comprehensive method yet.
15 January 2019
NHS commissioners could be slapped with a £2,500 fine for every patient left waiting more than a year for vital care, new proposals suggest.
12 January 2019
All UK airports should buy anti-drone technology and not rely on the Royal Air Force to help out, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has said.
10 January 2019
The military was brought in on Tuesday night after police officers saw a drone operating at Heathrow Airport, forcing departures to be suspended for an hour.
11 January 2019
A so-called "drug sponge" that mops up leftover drugs from cancer treatment could improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy, new research has claimed.
09 January 2019
A hormone released during exercise could help protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.
08 January 2019
Ryanair has been labelled the worst airline operating in the UK for the sixth year running in a leading consumer group survey.
05 January 2019
Anti-drone technology will be deployed at the UK's two busiest airports in response to the disruption caused before Christmas.
04 January 2019
A new cancer-detecting breathalyser test is being trialled in the UK - in a move that could revolutionise the way the disease is diagnosed.