Families struggling to cope with costs after cancer diagnosis

FAMILIES with a cancer diagnosis are struggling to meet basic needs, resulting in a doubling in demand for financial assistance in the last 10 years, according to the Irish Cancer Society.

A study by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland in partnership with the society found that patients and families from every social group experience financial hardship as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

Almost a third said their household income had decreased since their cancer diagnosis, with the percentage higher among women, younger patients, those working at the time of diagnosis and those with dependants.