Macmillan study sheds light on carers

Winter 2011

Supporting carers is a key area of Macmillan’s work, but the organisation didn’t know how many people in the UK are caring for someone with cancer.

There was also a lack of information and evidence about this group, so Macmillan commissioned Ipsos Mori to conduct a large study into carers of people with cancer.

The aim of the research was to find out how many carers of people living with cancer there are in the UK. It also gathered demographic data and explored the impact of caring on six key areas of carers’ lives: their health, finances, employment, social life/leisure, relationships and education. Finally, the research looked at the specific needs of cancer carers, to what extent these are currently being met, and what support carers would like from Macmillan.

The research found that there are 1.1 million carers of people living with cancer in the UK. The majority of these carers are female (62%) and the most common age band is 45–54. Only 48% of the carers surveyed are in employment and 79% live separately from the person they support.

Carers indicated that being a carer impacts on all areas of their lives, especially their emotional well-being and mental health (45%). Half (49%) surveyed are not receiving any support, and 70% have not had a local authority carer’s assessment.

The good news is that around a third of carers of people with cancer have already received support from Macmillan. Two-thirds (63%) would like to receive support from us, especially information and advice through our website, emotional support and support from Macmillan professionals.

The research contains further information, which you can use to improve your service and demonstrate its value to carers of people with cancer. Macmillan will be using the research to inform its long-term strategy and its work to support carers.

For more information, visit the carers| section of our website.