Ceredigion’s Plaid Cymru AM Elin Jones has joined the Macmillan cancer charity in highlighting the financial cost of being diagnosed with cancer.

Following in-depth research, Macmillan has revealed that on average, being diagnosed with cancer costs a person £640 a month. This staggering figure includes loss of income, increased fuel bills as patients are at home more than usual and feel the cold due to treatment, travel costs, and special dietary requirements.

Elin Jones, local Plaid Cymru AM for Ceredigion, said,

“The work done by charities such as Macmillan in supporting people with cancer is invaluable. Their work on the hidden costs of cancer have highlighted that one in five cancer patients have trouble paying their bills, rent or mortgage.”

“This research is a stark reminder of the strain that cancer diagnosis can place on families. The problem is particularly acute in an area such as Ceredigion. Here, people may have to travel long distances for specialist treatment, and their relatives may lose income if they take on a caring role during the illness.”