THERE is no escaping the physical and emotional cost of living with cancer but, as the Hereford Times has reported in recent weeks, the disease will exact costs that go far beyond the obvious.

The emotional stresses and physical toll of travelling to Cheltenham for treatment have proved too much for some patients and, for those who don't use hospital transport, the financial cost can be huge at a time when they may be on statutory sick pay, no pay or benefits.

With more than three-quarters of all cancer patients suffering some form of financial hardship, Macmillan Cancer Relief is campaigning for a better deal for patients, for government to recognise the financial implications of a cancer diagnosis and for access to all relevant benefits to be made easier.

"The initial diagnosis of cancer is so shocking that it takes time for the financial implications to become clear," says Ron Davies, Herefordshire Macmillan Cancer Relief fund-raising manager.

"The hardship that can result is as stressful to some people as the illness itself. Getting clear information and a quick response can make all the difference."

Macmillan is calling for people undergoing treatment for cancer to be eligible for non-means tested assistance under the hospital transport scheme and to be exempt from the payment of hospital parking charges.

More than £125 million to which cancer patients are entitled lies unclaimed every year, and half the people who die from cancer annually are not claiming disability living allowance or attendance allowance.

With the long distances involved in accessing treatment, Herefordshire patients are among those for whom the financial bill is particularly high.

A booklet, Help with the Cost of Cancer, outlining the benefits to which you may be entitled, is available from Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Financial assistance may also be available in the form of a Macmillan grant. These are made for a variety of reasons, most often to provide help with fuel bills.

Applications have to be made through a social or health professional. For further information, contact the Macmillan Cancerline on 0808 808 2020.