Cancer support: the toll on the UK's carers

Queen's University Belfast research finds about 1.1 million working adults in the UK provide daily support to someone with cancer, and carers often experience psychological, physical, social and financial impacts that are linked to patient outcomes.

More than one million people in the UK provide daily support to family members or friends with cancer. Queen's University Belfast research reports that caregivers can suffer psychological, physical, social and financial harms. The study highlights that carers' wellbeing and patients' outcomes are interconnected. Researchers also raise concerns about survivors facing barriers when accessing financial services, which can add pressure on carers. Key findings: - Around 1.1 million working adults in the UK provide daily support to someone with cancer. - Carers may experience psychological, physical, social and financial impacts, and research indicates their health is linked to the patient's wellbeing. - Up to about 25% of people living beyond cancer in Europe are reported to face difficulties accessing appropriate financial services because they must declare a past cancer diagnosis. - Professor Mark Lawler is campaigning for a UK-wide "Right To Be Forgotten" proposal that would mean people would not have to declare a previous cancer diagnosis five years after treatment. Summary: The research highlights the close connection between patient and carer wellbeing and draws attention to financial and emotional pressures on informal caregivers. Next steps include advocacy for a Right To Be Forgotten in the UK; broader policy outcomes are undetermined at this time.