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.