Who makes a profit out of Cancer !


Women having breast cancer treatment pay out on average nearly £2,000 in extra costs on travel, prescriptions, diet changes and complementary therapies, researchers said today.
The survey of 50 women for the charity Macmillan Cancer Relief found that some patients spent as much as £5,000 to £8,000 in the months following surgery and treatment. One of those surveyed spent £12,200, which included buying a car to get to hospital.
Nearly a quarter (24%) of those surveyed said their biggest expense was special diets and complementary treatments to help them recover faster. The same proportion said travel to hospital and hospital parking was their biggest extra expense.
One in six (16%) said the cost of prescriptions was the biggest additional cost, while one in seven (14%) said heating - to counteract feeling cold, a side-effect of treatment - was their most expensive outlay.
Macmillan warned that these extra costs coincide with a loss of income, which could leave patients in debt.
Its poll found that many patients found the extra expenditure meant they had to cut back on other aspects of their spending. More than a quarter (28%) said they had cut back on food shopping. Half said they had to cut back on buying clothes or haircuts. Three out of five patients (60%) said they had fewer days or evenings out. More than half (54%) said they had fewer treats such as takeaways or meals out.
Lesley Dileonardo, from Frome, Somerset, said: "Since being diagnosed, we have had the worry of extra costs plus losing my wage. The same costs are being paid out, but half the amount of money coming into the household budget. The added worry of finances at a time like this is devastating."
Peter Cardy, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Relief, said the survey showed that patients saw their spending levels rocket after a diagnosis of breast cancer.
"It is appalling to think that at this very stressful time cancer patients are having to worry about their financial situation - it should be the last thing on their mind," Mr Cardy said.