Charity warns of impact of loneliness on cancer patients

A leading cancer support charity is warning of a considerable rise in loneliness felt by sufferers of the disease.

Macmillan, who provides help and support to cancer patients and their families, believes that the number of people feeling lonely will increase as the number of people diagnosed with cancer looks set to double by 2013.

Loneliness can lead to a significant rise in the risk of developing disability and can cause people to feel cut off from the world, leading to depression.

However, a new campaign to end loneliness has been set up to raise awareness about loneliness in an effort to reconnect people with society.

Further reading: Loneliness ‘twice as bad for health as obesity’

Jack Neill-Hall, Campaigns Manager for the Campaign to End Loneliness says, “By ensuring that our public health and care services are aware of the risks of loneliness, we can do more for people who may be suffering from cancer, disability, or duel sensory loss and make sure they well looked after, but also better able look after themselves.”

Almost 1 in 5 of cancer sufferers are currently feeling loneliness, which is having implications on their mobility and their ability to look after themselves.

With over half of over 75’s living alone there is no doubt more than ever than more needs to be done to tackle loneliness.

This new campaign sets out to do just that, particularly those who have been diagnosed with cancer. To find out more visit: www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/