The number of people caring for someone with cancer in the UK has risen to almost 1.5 million, an increase of almost a third (31%) in the past five years, according to new research from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Family and friends are spending an average of 17.5 hours a week looking after a loved one with cancer, 2.5 hours more than in 2011.

Shockingly, one in five of those surveyed spend more than 35 hours a week, the same as a full time job, caring for someone with cancer.

The new YouGov survey also reveals that cancer carers from as young as 17 to people in their 80s are having to take on more responsibility for the person they care for, with an increase in the types of support they provide.

Common tasks include giving medication and changing dressings, taking care of finances, and to helping with going to the toilet, and eating⁴.

Worryingly, the research shows that over half (55%) of carers do not receive any support at all.

Macmillan is concerned about the growing pressure on cancer carers which could leave them with their own health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Stephen Smith, 58, from Shropshire, cares for his wife who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and now experiences the long-term effects of her treatment. He says:

“Often there are times when Fiona wakes up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain and it’s down to me as her carer to make it all better. But most of the time I feel out of my depth, unsure if I’m qualified to do it. Being a carer is all-consuming and there’s no 9 until 5 or weekends off. Sometimes I only manage two hours sleep a night. At times I feel like I’m at breaking point, unable to look after myself let alone Fiona.

“I’m her husband first and foremost, but having to get her in and out of bed, feed and dress her, take her to the toilet and give her medication up to three times a day puts a real strain on you and is ultimately detrimental to your own health.”

Fran Woodard, Executive Director of Policy and Impact at Macmillan Cancer Support, says:

“As the number of people being diagnosed with cancer continues to rise, we will see even more people having to care for their friends and family, so we urgently need to ensure the right support is in place for them.

“Many cancer carers have to do healthcare tasks they’re not trained to do, such as administering medicine, on top of practical tasks such as making trips to hospital, and providing emotional support. This is often on top of working and looking after their children. At the same time, they are doing their best to remain positive and hold things together, often compromising their own health.

“One of the reasons carers don’t get support is because they don’t know it’s available. In fact, many don’t consider themselves to be carers because they’re acting out of kindness and love.

“We simply can’t expect carers to keep bearing the brunt so we need to support health and social care professionals to let carers know that there is help available which they’re entitled to.”

Macmillan is calling on the Government to recognise the specific needs of cancer carers in the new Carers strategy for England and set out a clear plan of how carers will be able to get the help and support they need.

To find out more about Macmillan’s carers campaign, please visit:
macmillan.org.uk/carerscampaign

Macmillan has a team of professionals on its support line who can offer information and advice to people caring for someone with cancer. And its online community is available at any time of day or night for people to get support from others who are going through a similar experience.

Source: Macmillan