Calls to cancer help line up 10%

MORE than 21,000 people affected by cancer were helped by the Irish Cancer Society last year, a 10% increase on calls made in 2009, new figures show.

Because of the economic downturn, the service is having to deal with an increasing number of queries relating to arrears in mortgage payments, debt problems, eligibility for medical cards and social welfare payments.

The society pointed out that financial worries was the fifth most common reason why people called the National Cancer Helpline (Freefone 1800 200700) last year.

Last year, the society provided almost €1 million in financial aid to more than 1,600 people with cancer, a 23% rise on the previous year when 1,300 were helped in dealing with financial hardship resulting from a cancer diagnosis or treatment.

The financial support was provided when all other avenues of state benefit had been unable to help.

About 41% of calls were made by newly diagnosed people in the 40-plus age group, with some seeking more information about access to clinical trails after a secondary diagnosis of cancer.

Most callers wanted more information on treatment options and associated side effects, emotional support and how the health system works.

Speaking in advance of the launch of Daffodil Day on Friday, March 25, the society’s chief executive John McCormack said a fund-raising target of almost €4m had been set to meet the increasing demand for direct patient care services.

“Ireland’s cancer rate is one of the highest in the world. One in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer during our lifetime and it is estimated that by 2020, 40,000 new cases will be diagnosed,” Mr McCormack declared at the launch of the 2011 Dell-sponsored campaign in Dublin yesterday.

Last year, Irish Cancer Society night nurses delivered more than 7,000 nights of care to over 2,000 patients and their families coping with the advanced stages of cancer.

“This service is provided in the comfort of their own homes and the demand for this service has grown an average of 115 per year over the past six years,” said Mr McCormack.

He urged over 400 volunteer community organisers attending the launch to do everything they could to make Daffodil Day 2011 a major success.

“We really need you, our wonderful volunteers, to make a great push this year. Cancer care, patients and families simply cannot be sacrificed on the alter of economic expediency. Times are hard so we must work harder to ensure that our vital patient services are not compromised.”