‘Cancer patients need care support’

People with cancer and their carers are not having their social care needs addressed despite the significant emotional toll of the disease, Macmillan Cancer Support has said.

Almost half of patients and more than two out of five carers experienced depression after diagnosis, according to a report published by the charity this week. But 60 per cent of affected patients and 75 per cent of carers received no information, support or treatment for this.

Chief executive Peter Cardy said: “Cancer isn’t recognised in the social care system. It doesn’t open doors in social care unless it’s in combination with some other need.”

The report also reveals that nearly half of patients feel the emotional effects of the disease are the most difficult to cope with, while almost one-third feel close relationships are put under strain.

It calls for the government’s cancer plan to be revised to take greater account of emotional and social needs and more funding to tackle them.