MORE than one in five newly diagnosed cancer patients in the county face their fight alone.

New research by Macmillan Cancer Support estimates 350 people each year in Lancashire will receive no support from family or friends.

The Facing the Fight Alone report collated the number, profile and experiences of isolated people living with cancer across the UK.

The findings show the detrimental effects of isolation on people living with cancer are far-reaching.

Worryingly, more than half of isolated patients skipped meals or had not eaten properly due to a lack of support at home.

More than one in four were not able to wash themselves properly, and three in five could not carry out household chores.

Without an emotional support network, more than one in ten missed hospital and GP appointments, and one in six were unable to pick up their prescriptions.

The common reasons people gave for their isolation were people living too far away, having other commitments, or simply having no one to turn to.

Other than a visit from a health professional, one in eight people surveyed had not had been visited by a friend or family member in over six months.

For some, isolation seems to be a direct result of their cancer diagnosis.

As many as four in five said the financial impact of cancer meant they could not afford to see their family or friends as much.

The report also found that due to a lack of support, more than half of health professionals have had patients opt not to have treatment at all.

Nine in ten health professionals felt a lack of support at home leads to a poorer quality of life.

Over half felt it can lead to a shorter life expectancy.

Nicola Cook, senior Macmillan development manager for the North West, said: “This research shows that isolation can have a truly shattering impact.

“Patients could be putting their lives at risk, all because of a lack of support.

“These figures are just the tip of the iceberg.

“As the number of people living with cancer is set to double from two to four million by 2030, isolation will become an increasing problem and we need to address this now.”