Don't face the fight alone

SIR,

I am writing to you to highlight new research by Macmillan Cancer Support which suggests that almost one in five people diagnosed with cancer in Wales every year lack support from family and friends.

Our research suggests that 19 per cent of the 18,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients in Wales – an estimated 3,420 people every year – lack support from loved ones and friends during their treatment and recovery.

Macmillan's Facing the Fight Alone report, which looks at the number, profile and experiences of isolated people living with cancer, found more than half (53 per cent) of health professionals have had patients opt not to have treatment at all due to a lack of support at home from family and friends.

Nine in 10 (89 per cent) health professionals felt that a lack of support at home leads to a poorer quality of life for patients, while over half felt that it can lead to poorer treatment decisions and a shorter life expectancy.

As the number of people living with cancer in Wales is set to double from 120,000 to 240,000 by 2030, isolation will become an increasing problem and we need to address this now.

Last week, Macmillan Cancer Support launched our Not Alone campaign to help tackle this crisis and to ensure that in future, no-one faces cancer alone.

People affected by cancer can receive information and support by calling the Macmillan Support Line on 080880 80000 between 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday or by visiting http://www.macmillan.org.uk">www.macmillan.org.uk.

People who wish to support Macmillan and help to raise funds for us to provide our vital services to help those affected by cancer can call our fundraising support centre on 0300 1000 200.

Susan Morris

(Macmillan Cancer Support)