There is a cancer care ‘postcode lottery’
Neil Shaw Network Content Editor
10:36, 14 Apr 2026
Cancer care is not consistent
One in five people going through cancer treatment in the UK are struggling with serious physical or emotional concerns and receiving no support whatsoever, new figures from Macmillan Cancer Support have revealed. The charity is warning that where you live, how much money you have and your background can dramatically affect the cancer care you receive, and even your chances of survival, as it launches a major year-long campaign to tackle what it calls unfair cancer care across the UK.
More than one in four people with cancer have serious concerns covering physical, emotional, practical and financial issues. For people from ethnically diverse communities that figure rises to 34%, for LGBTQ+ patients it reaches 36%, and for people with a disability it climbs to 43%.
More than 80% of people with cancer face a significant financial hit, with additional costs reaching over £1,000 a month on top of normal spending. And people living in the most deprived parts of the UK are not only more likely to develop cancer, they are more likely to die from it.
NHS data shows Black, LGBTQ+ and disabled cancer patients are significantly less likely to receive holistic support while in hospital. Black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer, and stigma often makes it harder to spot symptoms early, with Black and Asian patients more likely to be seen multiple times before they receive a diagnosis. Some patients across the UK are turning down treatment because the care they need is too far away, with long distances estimated to put 100,000 lives at risk.
Underrepresentation of Black and Asian skin tones in medical information risks symptoms being missed. Because radiotherapy affects the cells that produce skin colour, some Black and Asian people are left with more noticeable and longer lasting marks from treatment, a visible reminder of cancer long after it ends. Wigs, prosthetics and other appearance-related support often fail to reflect all hair types and skin tones, leaving many women from ethnically diverse backgrounds with fewer options to feel like themselves again.
Sonia Sudhakar, chief engagement officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “At Macmillan, we know cancer isn’t fair, but cancer care should be.Our new Fair Cancer Care campaign brings real stories to life, showing the challenges people face and the support available to them, whoever or wherever they are.
“It will take all of us to build Fair Cancer Care. This is a rallying call to everyone: whether you’re living with cancer, supporting someone who is, or simply want to help, you can stand with us and play a part in making cancer care fairer for all.”
The Fair Cancer Care campaign, which makes its TV debut this Easter weekend during the Great British Bake Off Stand Up to Cancer, features real patients, Macmillan staff and volunteers. It is designed to highlight the full range of free support available regardless of a person’s background, location or circumstances.
The campaign film features Paul Campbell, chief executive of Cancer Black Care, Maurice Blake of Can Survive UK, both of whom have lived experience of prostate cancer, and Anderson Boyce of Barbers Against Prostate Cancer.
Mr Campbell said: “When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you’re already dealing with enough. You shouldn’t have to fight the system on top of everything else. Macmillan is saying: we see you, and we’re here. I really hope the campaign reaches the people who need it most, because I know first-hand what it means, and what it feels like, to need that kind of support.”
Macmillan is using the campaign to raise awareness of its free support offer, which includes a confidential Support Line, peer-to-peer communities, one-to-one buddy schemes pairing patients with people who have been through a similar experience, and partnerships with community organisations designed to reach those hardest to find.
To find out more watch the campaign film: Fair Cancer Care – YouTube
You can call the Macmillan Support Line: 0808 808 00 00 free, or visit macmillan.org.uk/community, macmillan.org.uk/buddies and macmillan.org.uk to find services near you
