Record number of people living with cancer in UK – what financial support is available?

The number of people living with cancer in Britain is expected to reach 3.4m by the end of the year - the highest figure ever reported.  

Data from the cancer support charity Macmillan shows that by 2025, there will be around half a million more people living with cancer than there were five years ago. 

Macmillan’s estimates shows that by December 2025, there will be: 

• 890,000 women with breast cancer 

• 610,000 men with prostate cancer 

• 390,000 people with bowel cancer 

• 120,000 with lung cancer 

Why are more people living with cancer?  

The increase in cancer cases in Britain is due to: 

• a growing and ageing population 

• better survival rates for some cancers 

• increased diagnoses of cancer 

Macmillan warns that the cancer care system is struggling with delays and care can vary depending on where you live. 

As Gemma Peters, the charity’s chief executive, explains: 

“We see how cancer impacts people’s relationships, jobs, finances and more, and how this can be even worse for some, simply because of who they are or where they live.” 

Macmillan is calling for urgent change, stating: “Governments across the UK have a unique opportunity to revolutionise cancer care for the future.”  

Financial support for cancer patients  

Cancer treatment and care can change your financial situation. You might need to stop working, work fewer hours, or pay for travel costs and other expenses.  

There are different types of financial support that you may be able to claim. 

Benefits if you can’t work or have a low income  

If you're not working or have a lower income because of cancer, you could qualify for benefits. 

Sick pay from your employer 

• If you're employed and need time off for cancer treatment, your employer should pay you sick pay. 

• Your employer should also make reasonable adjustments to help you do your job during and after treatment. 

Access to work 

If you need extra help to stay in work, you can apply for support through the government’s access to work programme. This can help with: 

• practical support or grants 

• mental health support at work 

• communication support for interviews 

What if you’re self-employed?  

If you're self-employed, you won’t get sick pay, but you can apply for other support if you can’t work or your income decreases. 

Employment and support allowance (ESA) 

If you have a health condition that affects how much you can work, you may be eligible for ESA. To qualify, you need to have worked or been self-employed and paid national insurance contributions. 

Check your national insurance record for gaps. 

Universal credit 

Universal credit (UC) is a benefit if you’re under state pension age.  

• UC supports people who are out of work or on a low income. 

• It replaces other benefits like income support, housing benefit and child tax credit. 

• You may need to provide a sick note and a work capability assessment. 

Other ways to get financial support  

Income tax refund 

If you stop working or work fewer hours due to illness, you might be eligible for a tax refund. Your employer may be able to organise this. You can also apply for a tax refund online or contact (HMRC) on 0300 200 3300. 

Disability benefits 

If cancer affects your ability to care for yourself, you might qualify for disability benefits, such as: