A CANCER diagnosis is bad enough - but add to that financial worries and the situation can seem overwhelming.

That's why the Dorset Macmillan Citizens Advice service has helped 606 Dorset people affected by cancer access more than £4 million in benefits and grants during 2016 - that's more than £6,500 per person.

The project – a partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and Citizens Advice - has been running since 2010, providing welfare benefits advice to people with cancer, their carers and family members.

Since 2010 the project has helped 2,850 people access more than £13.6 million vital funds gains to help with the cost of cancer.

Beth Fox, Macmillan project manager at Dorchester, Sherborne and Districts Citizen Advice said: “This valued partnership with Macmillan gets real results for people at what is often the most difficult time of their lives.

"Our caseworkers take a huge pressure off by assisting with form completion and maximising income when it is needed most.”

Previous research by Macmillan showed that cancer has an average monthly cost of £570 for the vast majority (83 per cent) of cancer patients, incurring costs through travelling to and from hospital appointments, increased household bills due to being at home more and feeling the cold after treatment, and very often having to buy new clothes due to significant weight loss or gain.

Many people have to cut down their working hours or stop working altogether because they are too unwell resulting in a significant loss of income.

The service is open to self-referral from members of the public, as well as referral via clinical staff.

The Dorchester Citizens Advice office hosts the Macmillan Citizens Advice Helpline, and project co-ordinator Mags Williams distributes the referrals across the four caseworkers covering for the whole of Shire Dorset. The service allows for home visiting which is often a lifeline for those whom travelling can be difficult.

Dorset client David said: “I was put in touch with the Macmillan caseworker and before I knew it everything started falling into place. As I have never used the Citizens Advice before one thing is certain, that they only have your interests at heart. Once again many, many thanks for your support, as now I feel my life is getting back to some normality. Many thanks”

Tess Thomas, Skin Cancer Specialist Nurse at Dorset County Hospital added: “The service has been invaluable to both myself and my patients. I have not only utilised the service for referrals but will often ring for advice to be directed to the right source.

"I can only praise all those at the project, who have made an enormous difference not only to my patients, but many patients affiliated to Dorset County Hospital.”

This service has recently secured further funding from Macmillan until December 2018, which will ensure that no one in Dorset will have to face the financial impact of cancer alone.

The service is contactable on 08454 9000 42 from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday with a voicemail outside of these hours. Alternatively email macmillan@dorchester.cabnet.org.uk

For support, information or if you have any questions about cancer, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk