One-in-four cancer patients in the UK will be forced back to bed this Christmas because they cannot afford to put the heating on, a charity warns.

Macmillan Cancer Support says suffering from the cold can also affect recovery.

It is calling on the government to extend the winter fuel payment to cancer patients in need.

And it wants them to have full access to the new mandatory social support that energy companies will have to offer by 2011.

Around 19% of cancer patients undergoing treatment in the last year are in fuel poverty, double that of the general population.

Fuel poverty is defined as when a family needs to spend at least 10% of its income on heating and lighting the home.
Professor Jane Maher, chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "I see cancer patients suffering from exhaustion during and after treatment all the time.

"Add the factor of 'feeling cold' to exhaustion and you are left with seriously demotivated cancer patients that can do little other than go back to bed to stay warm and conserve energy.

"Cancer patients who are depressed or demotivated are less likely to be active or engage in exercise, yet going about 'normal, daily activities' could improve their well-being and reduce their likelihood of long-term health problems," she added.

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, added: "The current system is completely failing cancer patients and needs to be brought bang up to date."

Laura, 37, from Cambridgeshire was diagnosed with a rare form of cervical cancer last January: "I was at home with cancer, without a job and on an income of just £60 a week.

Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, added: "The current system is completely failing cancer patients and needs to be brought bang up to date."

"Nobody with a serious illness should be put in a position where they have to worry about being able to keep warm, especially if this may affect their recovery."

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: "Winter fuel payments were created so that all those aged over 60, who are particularly vulnerable to the cold weather, could afford to turn up their heating in the winter months without worrying about the cost.

"There are other benefits designed specifically to meet the year-round costs, including heating, that arise as the result conditions such as cancer and their treatment.

"Disability Living Allowance is paid weekly and more generous.

"Help is also there to make homes more energy efficient through the Warm Front scheme for those on DLA and through cold weather payments in prolonged cold snaps."

Credits: BBC News Website : Mon. 21st December 2009
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8421292.stm

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