Question! Did you know that a cancer diagnosis could mean your household bills increase by anything between £900 and £1,000 every month? That's in the UK and is likely far higher in many countries.

I said 'could' because clearly not everyone is affected in the same way. But those numbers are real, not 'exaggerated-awe-headline-stuff' and have come as a genuine shock to many in the cancer sector.

Because here's the reality uncovered.

There are people right now - maybe in your street - turning off their water supply because they are frightened of the bill. Eating less because of new dietary food costs. Extra petrol, phones...the list goes on and on. And it's because they have cancer. For them, likely no other reason.

We're all living in a cost-of-living crisis and too many face stark financial reality. But to have a critical illness on top? This huge additional burden. And that's the reason why you're in this situation? I know you look at your spending and so do I...but this?! This is terrifying.

When you hear the costs involved you can understand how this mess has happened but I'll admit right now, it had never occurred to me.

Chloe North and Kathie McPeake are on the cancer team at the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board in the UK. What Chloe uncovered left them shocked. Genuinely. What was thought to be - maybe an issue to consider - turned into what Kathie describes as 'horrendous'.

I need your help with this one. I'm not spamming, I just need you to download right now before you forget and share the living daylights out of this anywhere you can and let people know...

a) the reality of this

b) the help that's out there. That's the big one.

Because there is seriously positive news if you listen to the end. And people need to know that there is real momentum behind this. And you need to ask other authorities in other areas - are you doing this? Because if not you need to wake up.

Getting positive information out there is tough in a busy world and it's just as hard for those who really can help. That's why this episode exists.

Write a comment, let me know your thinking on this. And while you're at it, follow the podcast. I'm Mike and you can always drop me a DM on Instagram @acancercandoonepodcast.

Thank you.

----more----

• Cancer Support Lincolnshire Website:
  • https://www.cancersupportlincolnshire.nhs.uk/
• Anglian Water Extra Care Assessment:
  • Contact: 0800 169 3630
  • Website: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/water-care/extra-care-support/
• Lincolnshire St Barnabas Welfare & Benefits Team:
  • Contact: 01476 513 544
  • Website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/wellbeing/welfare-benefits/I'm
• Mobile and Internet support
• https://www.yoursimpal.com/

How much will you donate? Because cancer ends here.https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/louth-run-for-life-2024

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