As well as the physical and psychological impact of cancer, many patients and their families face a financial crisis, which only adds to the stress of the situation, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has warned.

It has just published a new report, The Real Cost of Cancer, which is based on a detailed survey of cancer patients. It reveals that many patients face a major drop in their income as a result of their illness, while at the same time, they face extra bills related to things such as medication, consultant visits, childcare, home heating and parking at hospitals.

The survey found that the average extra cost per month for cancer patients is €862 - this is even if they have a medical card or private health insurance.

Meanwhile, those who cannot work, or have to work less, face an average income drop of €1,400 a month, which is almost €17,000 per year.

"Our report shows that many cancer patients are facing financial stress, often real hardship, by having to deal with huge extra costs and a massive drop in income at a time when they are going through the severe physical, emotional and psychological impact of a very serious illness," commented Kathleen O'Meara of the ICS.

The report found a number of specific costs that people with cancer face every month, including:
-An average of €303 on medical costs that cannot be claimed back, such as over-the-counter medication, GP visits and specialist dressings. Almost eight in 10 cancer patients were found to have these costs every month
-An average of €226 more on childcare each month as a result of not being able to care for dependents
-An average of €153 more per month on food and drink because of more time being spent at home
-An average of €140 more per month on heating and electricity bills. The ICS noted that chemotherapy patients often feel the cold worse then those not going through treatment
-An average of €166 per month on travelling to and from appointments
-An average of €62 per month on hospital parking.

One patient said that while he was being treated in a Dublin hospital over a 16-week period, his wife, who visited him on a daily basis, spent over €1,000 on parking costs.

Meanwhile, the report also noted that cancer patients often face one-off purchases, such as:
-An average of €891 to modify their home
-An average of €511 on wigs and hairpieces
-An average of €215 on specialist equipment, such as a commode.

"It is clear that many cancer patients are facing financial hardship as well as the physical and psychological impact of cancer. Requests for help from the ICS's Financial Support scheme rose by nearly 30% last year, and already this year have risen again by a further 15%. This year so far, the society has spent €1.2 million supporting patients, with most payments going towards home heating, childcare and travelling to treatment, including parking," Ms O'Meara explained.

However, the ICS has had to cut its grants to cancer patients facing hardship because of increased demand.

"This scheme is funded entirely from public donations and is becoming unsustainable for the ICS, which also funds cancer research, information, free night nursing, as well as a whole range of activities to support cancer patients. That is why we have had to cap the amount we give to patients, with the exception of the families of children with cancer," Ms O'Meara said.

The ICS is again calling for all cancer patients to be provided with medical cards. It noted that over 20% of patients who applied for a card after being diagnosed with cancer, were not successful.

"Under the legislation, a medical card is designed to be available for those who are suffering financial hardship as a result of their illness. It is clear from this research that this is happening, yet more than 20% of survey respondents who applied for a medical card after their diagnosis did not get one. Self-employed people find it very difficult to get supplementary welfare although this scheme is designed for those who are in severe need. Some self-employed patients lose their income overnight when they are diagnosed with cancer," Ms O'Meara pointed out.

However, she emphasised that despite different circumstances, ‘no cancer patient is spared the financial panic and distress caused by this disease'.

"Cancer is a financial catastrophe for many families," she insisted.

For more information on cancer, including how to manage financially, call the Cancer Nurseline on 1800 200 700 or click here