Macmillan is calling on the government to provide gas and electricity help for those living with cancer.
Cancer sufferers should be entitled to the winter fuel allowance that is currently given to elderly households, according to a leading charity. Macmillan Cancer Support claims 40 percent of cancer patients who received financial assistance from it this year needed the money to pay their gas and electricity bills.
According to Macmillan, cancer patients feel the cold more because their immune system is weakened by their treatment, which means their energy bills are often higher. Many are also unable to work, which leaves them with little or no income.
"It's a vicious circle and that's why it's so important to freeze out fuel poverty for cancer patients," said the charity's chief executive Ciaran Devane.
"It's time for the government and energy suppliers to step in and help these people most at risk. We'll continue to campaign until we see cancer patients get the help they need with fuel bills."
According to research carried out by Macmillan, many of those living with cancer are forced to dip into their savings to meet gas and electricity costs, while others resort to wearing several layers of clothing and going to bed during the day to stay warm.
Winter fuel payments are paid each year to people aged 60 and over to help them keep warm during the colder months. This year, the amount to which people will be entitled has been increased to reflect sharp rises in the cost of gas and electricity.
