THOUSANDS of middle-aged Scots are being forced to borrow money from their parents because of the cost of having cancer, according to a new report.
Macmillan Cancer Support believes that UK-wide, more than 30,000 people with cancer who are in their forties and fifties borrowed money from their parents.
It said more than 2,000 have moved in with their parents or parents-in-law after having to sell their house.
They need the cash because of the cost of travelling to and from hospital appointments and loss of income because they are too unwell to work.
Jane Preston, Macmillan’s head in Scotland said: “The financial impact of cancer is often overlooked, but this research shows just how much of a problem money can become for people who should be focusing on getting better.
“Macmillan is here for anyone facing money worries and we want people to get in touch with us for help if they need it.
“But we also need the banking and insurance sector to recognise that cancer can take a real toll on people’s finances and make sure their staff are trained to provide the right support to people who are going through one of the toughest experiences they’ll face.”
The charity estimates people lose £570 a month after being diagnosed.
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