Campaign to support isolated patients (From Swindon Advertiser)

Campaign to support isolated patients

11:10am Friday 8th February 2013 in News

ONE in four of the 800 newly diagnosed cancer patients in Swindon – an estimated 200 patients each year – lack support from family and friends during their treatment and recovery, according to new research published by Macmillan Cancer Support.

Of these, an estimated 50 people each year will receive no help whatsoever, facing cancer completely alone.

The Facing The Fight Alone report – which looks at the number, profile and experiences of isolated people living with cancer across the UK, found the effects of isolation on the lives of people living with cancer are far-reaching.

More than half of isolated patients have skipped meals or not eaten properly due to a lack of support at home.

More than one in four have not been able to wash properly, while three in five have been unable to do household chores.

Isolation also makes it harder for cancer patients to manage their medical care. More than one in ten have missed hospital or GP appointments, while one in six have been unable to pick up prescriptions.

David Crosby, the general manager of Macmillan Cancer Support in Central and South West England said: “This research shows that isolation can have a truly shattering impact on people living with cancer.

“Patients are going hungry, missing medical appointments and even deciding to reject treatment altogether because of a lack of support.

“We are launching a campaign to ensure in future, no one faces cancer alone.”

To read the Facing The Fight Alone report, or to find out more about the Not Alone campaign, visit www.macmillan.org.uk.