Supporting quote: to Macmillan Loneliness story
Macmillan Cancer Support warns of looming loneliness epidemic with the number of people diagnosed with cancer set to double by 2030.
Almost one in five (22%) of people living with cancer in the UK are suffering with loneliness as a result of their cancer, rendering many housebound and unable to feed themselves properly according to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Commenting on these findings Jack Neill-Hall, Campaigns Manager for the Campaign to End Loneliness, says:
“When we feel lonely we can sometimes forget to look after ourselves properly. In fact, researchers have shown that feeling lonely can lead us to not exercising enough, eating a poor diet and having an increased likelihood of smoking and drinking too much. Unfortunately, these very behaviours can often contribute to us becoming ill, or aggravate other conditions outside of our control.
“It is vital that we understand the link between loneliness and ill health so that we can break the negative cycle of loneliness exacerbating ill-health and vice versa. By ensuring that our public health and care services are aware of the risks of loneliness, we can do more for people who may be suffering from cancer, disability, or duel sensory loss and make sure they well looked after, but also better able look after themselves.”
For further information from Macmillan, please contact:
David Williams, Regional Communications Officer, Macmillan Cancer Support. 01904 756407/ dwilliams@macmillan.org.uk
