Third of cancer patients lose over £10k in earnings: Guardian

"Cancer premium" of nearly £700 each month for young people's diagnosis

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 4 min read

New research has found that nearly one third (31%) of cancer patients and their families lost £10,000 or more in income and earnings as they needed to make changes to their work schedule following a cancer diagnosis.

The research, sponsored by Guardian and conducted by cancer charity, Young Lives vs Cancer, comprised a survey and follow-up interviews of 259 participants. This included parents or caregivers of children and young people under 27, as well as adults aged 18-26 who have undergone cancer treatment and care within the past two years. Overall, 70% of respondents experienced a loss in income and earnings due to having to take time off or away from work or needing to change employment arrangements because of treatment, with the average loss of earnings hitting over £6,000 a year. Some respo...

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