A Scottish cancer patient has warned of the difficult reality many people living with cancer will be facing as the cost of living continues to rise.
Claire O'Donnell, 44, was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in March 2016, at the age of 38. She admits it has been a 'struggle' and at time financially difficult.
As the cost of living continues to rise, she has stressed that living with cancer already comes with extra costs, and the current climate will add an extra devastating burden.
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This comes as Cancer Research released a report that found that there were 4,900 more cancer patients that were linked to living in deprived areas. The study found that people from these areas were less likely to attend cancer screenings. These cancer screenings can be life saving as if it's found early enough, it can be easier to treat.
Claire is a Support Coordinator for Edinburgh charity Make 2nds Count and urges people who have been diagnosed with cancer to seek support.
Speaking exclusively to Edinburgh Live, she explained: "Six years ago was when I found my lump, I had gone to my GP, there's an awful lot of back and forth, and was told different things, but I knew myself something wasn't right. Even to get a screening was really hard on the NHS.
"Luckily, I had a really supportive employer and was able to go to a private clinic and I was able to get everything answered within the day. I do believe that if I hadn't had that private screening, I would have been a far worse situation."
But not everyone has that luxury of being able to go to a private clinic and Claire empathises with people who aren't able to make appointments.
She said: "I think it's just expensive. I'm single, there's a single wage, the house and mortgage. There's a lot of people I know, and with my own experience, who struggled to get Personal Independence Payment (PIP), they're struggling to get money that they're entitled to.
"So if you're already fighting for that, and then with the cost of living, which has skyrocketed up... a lot of people can't afford to do that. At the end of the day, even if it's just one appointment, the travel cost of getting there could mean you might have to make a choice between going there or having a meal that day. It can be a struggle.
"Cancer is expensive to treat and to live with, especially secondary breast cancer and obviously, for me, I want to live for as long as possible. But that that's going to mean that I always have this expense of hospital appointments, going back and forth and with the cost of living crisis, it is going to make it even harder.
"It really is difficult and I don't think people appreciate how expensive it can be for breast cancer patients."
The 44-year-old has noticed the cost of things rising and has had to budget but admits that isn't always easy.
"I have had a huge battle with receiving PIP at the start and I knew I wasn't getting what I was entitled to and that just adds even more pressure on your everyday cancer worries. Then the stress creates even more pain which then creates a really difficult way of having to live your life when you not only have to think about cancer, but also money. You don't want to be in that situation when you are unwell.
"You just want to be looked after and to have the best treatment you possibly can. But that can be really difficult when it comes to the case of what you can afford. My mobility has been impacted from the treatment, and I would be in a lot of pain, I now walk with a stick. There would be times where I would need a taxi to get to my appointments but couldn't afford it - it's third of the price than the bus.
"It changes your choices of what you can do. If you don't have money for a taxi, then you could be walking, in pain, for longer...it is difficult.
"I feel like it's a constant battle. I can't imagine what it would be like for someone in a more difficult position. I'm very lucky at the moment that I do have an income. For me it's more about mental health and that has to be stable."
She leans on her brother and has a good network of friends around her to support her which is is incredibly thankful for. Claire also reached out to charities and has used and now works with Make 2nds Count, a charity that supports people and families living with secondary breast cancer.
"I think you need to reach out to charities or ask your GP or ask your oncologist or your breast care nurse to point you in the right direction. You need to find that group that can help you focus and take you under their wing.
"It's scary when you're first diagnosed and when you have a scan, and it takes over a lot of what you do. For secondary breast cancer, there isn't that much information out there, people don't really talk about it, unless they have it and you need people who can answer specific questions. I know as a patient I first struggled. That's why Make 2nds Count is so important.
"Financially McMillan are great, or Social Security Scotland, you can ask them about adult disability payment or what you're entitled to. It's all about knowing the information.
"I think as a whole, charities have to be better at showing the patient we're alive in the community. We're trying to to be more visible and we can help with many things. If we [Make 2nds Count] don't know the answer, we'll find it for you."
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