Financial difficulties and hardship are just the reality for families when their child is diagnosed with cancer – even with government support, according to Rachel Kirby-Rider, chief executive at Young Lives vs Cancer.
Earlier this week the charity released a report sponsored by Guardian which surveyed 259 participants and revealed the “cancer premium” can add around £700 a month to outgoings of young cancer patients and their families.
But Kirby-Rider (pictured) told guests at a charity lunch organised by Young Lives vs Cancer and Guardian yesterday afternoon that this figure has actually risen 17% since the last time the charity conducted similar research back in 2017.
She explained that costs for families and these young cancer patients go up but income goes down as many families and patients reported reduced income due to going on sick pay or having to stop work entirely.
And according to Kirby-Rider, these losses come despite receiving additional government benefits and even if families have savings, they are soon exhausted.
“What I think is really worrying though, is the impact of these costs and the loss of income remain not only throughout treatment but beyond and often have lasting impact for families,” Kirby-Rider continued.
“A cancer diagnosis for a child or young person equates to financial difficulties and hardship – end of. That is the case. That is what we experience in the UK every day.”