BETTER DEAL FOR CANCER PATIENTS CAMPAIGN

Motion Text

That this House recognises that one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime; notes that 39 per cent. of working age cancer patients have experienced significant financial difficulties as a result of cancer; recognises that disability due to cancer is often sudden and unpredictable and that many cancer patients make up to 60 trips to hospital in total for life-saving treatment while often travelling long distances for radiotherapy; is concerned by the National Audit Office finding that 77 per cent. of cancer patients are not given information about financial benefits and the Public Accounts Committee finding that there is a scandalous lack of benefits take-up for some cancer patients; therefore applauds Macmillan Cancer Relief's Better Deal campaign which calls on the Government to inform all cancer patients about their eligibility for financial benefits through effective referral mechanisms, such as benefits awareness training for healthcare professionals, and access to specialist benefits advice; and calls on the Government to revise the qualifying criteria for disability living allowance and attendance allowance which unfairly discriminate against cancer patients, to review fast-tracking procedures for terminally-ill patients and to exempt cancer patients travelling for treatment from road tolls and charges and from hospital car parking charges.