What is the new cancer travel support fund?

The new travel support fund is part of the government's cancer strategy, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with travel for families undergoing cancer treatment.

What are the goals of the new cancer strategy?

The cancer strategy aims to reduce waiting times, improve early diagnosis rates, and prevent cancers, marking a significant opportunity to enhance cancer care.

Why was the travel support fund called for by charities?

Charities advocated for the fund because families have incurred debts and had to cut back on essentials like food due to cancer treatment travel costs.

Home / Health / Cancer Travel Fund: Families Get Crucial Support

Cancer Travel Fund: Families Get Crucial Support

3 Feb

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Summary

New travel fund aims to alleviate financial burdens for families facing cancer.
Government's cancer strategy promises reduced waiting times and better diagnosis.
Funding aims to prevent families from incurring debt or cutting essentials.

Cancer Travel Fund: Families Get Crucial Support

The government is set to announce a significant funding boost for families affected by cancer, including a new travel support fund. This crucial initiative is included in the upcoming cancer strategy, a "once in a generation opportunity" aimed at enhancing cancer care across the nation. The strategy will detail measures to shorten waiting times, improve early diagnosis rates, and focus on cancer prevention. Charities have actively campaigned for this travel support, noting the severe financial distress families endure, often leading to debt and cuts in basic necessities. Previously, financial aid in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland was highly means-tested. Scotland offers a more generous, though not universal, scheme. This new fund seeks to provide broader assistance, offering a sense of support akin to "having an arm around you" for those navigating challenging treatments.