Around 110,000 people in the UK are caring for a parent with cancer, with 89%, working either full or part time, new research from Macmillan Cancer Support has shown.
The cancer charity has warned that there is too much pressure on UK cancer carers, with YouGov figures showing the number of cancer carers has increased by 31% to almost 1.5million in the last five years.
The study has shown that 70% of cancer carers experience mental health problems as a result of caring, including stress, anxiety and depression, as well as physical health problems such exhaustion and insomnia.
Lynda Thomas, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support: “It’s saddening to hear of the growing strain on cancer carers. In extreme cases a person may have to dress, feed and take their parent to the toilet whilst also dealing with the school run, and a full-time job.
“Too often, this “sandwich generation” of carers find themselves pulled in every direction by a physically and emotionally draining juggling act that can cause their finances to come under pressure, their working lives to suffer and their own health to bear the brunt.”
30% of ‘sandwich carers’ reported their income and/or household finances were affected because of their caring duties.
43% stated that their working lives were adversely impacted, whilst 55% reported that they were not receiving any additional support in spite of carrying out complex tasks over long periods of time.
Many do not see themselves as carers or do not know what support is available, meaning they often don’t receive appropriate support from health and social care professionals.
The research has shown that those caring for a parent with cancer take care of the individuals finances to washing and dressing them, while also looking after their own children.
The charity is urging cancer carers to get in touch to ensure no one has to cope alone.
Nikki Crossley, 41, from Kent, discovered she was pregnant with her second child a month after she found out her mum’s breast cancer had spread to her brain in 2014. She said: “Becoming my mum’s carer just kind of happened. Before I knew it I was in charge of her medication, her doctor’s appointments, cooking her meals, paying her bills, helping her dress and get to the toilet. Recently she became confused after a bladder infection and I was up half the night trying to settle her, then I still had to get up early to sort the kids out and head to work myself, exhausted.
“I feel guilty that I’m not able to put my children first. It’s upsetting to realise I’ve not been able to do the same things with my 16 month old son as I did with his older sister. I feel like I’m constantly being pulled in two different directions. It’s overwhelming at times and sometimes I wonder if I do any of it well – but I do the best I can.”
Lynda Thomas, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, added:“It’s not just “sandwich carers” that are facing this uphill battle. Carers across the UK, looking after their mothers, sisters, brothers or friends, are carrying out more caring tasks and for longer. Many are doing it with a real sense of pride and privilege but this doesn’t mean it isn’t a difficult. For those of you caring for someone affected by
cancer, we know it’s getting tougher.
"We also know you don’t always have the time, or energy, to seek help. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get whatever support you need. From our information centres and mobile information bus, to our support line and online community, Macmillan is here for you.”
For more information visit www.macmillan.org.uk.
