Study highlights financial concerns of cancer patients

A new study is reporting a 20% increase in the number of people seeking financial help after being diagnosed with cancer.

This is just one of the findings contained in the 'Ffinancial Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis' study undertaken by the National Cancer Registry and the Irish Cancer Society.

A third of patients had incurred costs of €300 for prescription medications.

And with almost half of cancer patients spending on average €465 on consultant fees alone, Mairead Lyons of the Irish Cancer Society said many families are struggling to meet basic needs.

"Having cancer means spending more money," Ms Lyons said.