NEARLY 10,000 people in Hampshire and 5,000 in West Sussex and are diagnosed with cancer every year.

And according to new analysis released by Macmillan Cancer Support, it could force them and their families to find hundreds of pounds a month to cover the costs of the disease.

Macmillan calculates the average family in England is left with around £375 each month after paying for necessities such as bills, food and everyday travel.

Working parents with young children are hit hardest by the financial cost of cancer and the charity estimates the average additional monthly cost is £570 for 83 per cent of cancer patients.

Extra costs include travel to and from hospital appointments; an increase in household bills due to being at home more and feeling the cold after treatment; and paying for extra support with help at home, such as cleaning.

Many people have to cut down their working hours, or stop working altogether, because they are too unwell resulting in a significant loss of income.

Macmillan is urging people to seek financial help as soon as possible to stop money worries spiralling out of control. This is particularly important as its previous research shows 36 per cent of people with cancer had no idea that a diagnosis would affect them financially, and a further nine per cent underestimated the extent that they’d be affected.

Macmillan Cancer Support chief executive Lynda Thomas said: “At a time when thousands of families are struggling to make ends meet, a cancer diagnosis can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, sending them into financial free fall.

“We’re talking about families whose world has already been turned upside down.

“When you’re diagnosed with cancer, the last thing you need to be worrying about is how to pay the bills and keep a roof over your head. But the one thing I would say is that you don’t have to do this alone – there is help out there.

“At Macmillan, we offer financial information and support to help people get back on their feet. Last year, we helped 90,000 people affected by cancer unlock £267m in benefits alone.”

For financial support and access to a benefits adviser, call free on 0808 808 0000.