Cancer charity: 20% of Welsh cancer patients suffering from lack of cheap energy - 03/11/2009

Nearly one in five Welsh cancer patients are suffering from high prices from energy suppliers, according to figures from charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

The charity has called for the Welsh Assembly to do more to help make cancer sufferers' properties energy-efficient and to have their energy bills reduced, while it also wants patients to become recipients of the winter fuel payment currently reserved for older people, reports the Western Mail.

Around 75 per cent of cancer sufferers increase their energy consumption after diagnosis as they are more sensitive to the cold and spend more time in their homes, the charity revealed.

Cath Lindley, Macmillan Cancer Support's general manager for Wales, said: "They feel the cold more because treatment can weaken their immune system and then they need the heating on higher and for longer, which leads to increased fuel bills."

Research from the charity also revealed 120 people in south-west Wales have been awarded grants totalling over £22,000 in the past year to help with their energy bills.

Energy industry regulator Ofgem recently warned energy bills could rise by 60 per cent in the coming years.

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