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Cancer costs

Read our report

A cancer diagnosis comes with an additional financial burden, with young cancer patients and their families facing a range of extra monthly costs throughout their treatment. The cost of travel, food, energy and clothing are just some of the things that are affected. These combined costs all add up to a significant added amount for children and young people with cancer and their families.

A cancer diagnosis also comes with an additional financial penalty, with most young people and their families experiencing a loss of income and earnings. Having to take time off or away from work, or needing to change employment arrangements because of treatment mean these income losses can be substantial.

As a result of these extra costs, as well as the penalty they face to their income, a cancer diagnosis for many children, young people and their families means experiencing financial difficulties and hardships.

We believe that no one should have to face spiralling debt because of cancer. We want to see action to ease the #CancerCosts burden faced by children, young people and their families, to ensure they get the immediate and lasting support they need.

Our survey said

In our research, we asked young cancer patients and their families about the costs they have experienced following their cancer diagnosis and how it impacted them.

 

Almost £700 extra a month spent by young cancer patients and their families following a cancer diagnosis

 

15% increase in the extra costs faced by young cancer patients and their families since 2017.

 

Seven in 10 young cancer patients and their families experiencing a loss in income and earning following a cancer diagnosis

 

 

Read our Cancer Costs research report

Show your support

If you want to know more about any of our campaigns, including how you can support them or get involved, we’d love to hear from you! Please email campaigns@younglivesvscancer.org.uk.

You can also join our call for a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund and better financial support for the cost of travelling to treatment by supporting our #RunningonEmpty campaign.

Sign our petition

 

Need help with rising costs?

If you’re looking for help with money, check out our webpages for more information on financial support, including Young Lives vs Cancer grants.