Cancer patients already severely struggling with financial difficulties because of their illness could be hit with "catastrophic" effects if welfare reform proceeds, MacMillan Cancer Support has warned.
Some sufferers even have to miss meals and reduce their spending on essentials such as food, it found.
MacMillan fears the current government proposals will see 7,000 patients become £94 a week worse off despite already being on or close to the breadline.
As a result it has demanded that the Welfare Reform Bill is amended so everyone eligible for ESA will receive it for as long as they need it, not for an arbitrary fixed period.
It also believes it is unacceptable to make cancer patients wait six months to access PIP as costs associated with cancer kick in from the point of diagnosis.
A study carried out by YouGov for the charity found that more than two thirds (70%) of cancer patients are hit financially through increasing costs and lost income as a direct result of their disease.
This has led to some facing extreme measures to cope with the increased costs involved in the treatment process.
For some, financial situations are so dire that one in six (17%) of those financially affected have been forced to cut back on everyday essentials such as buying food, while one in 20 (5%) skip meals to save money, and nearly one in 12 (7%) are scared of losing their home.
Despite many making cutbacks, 29% of those financially affected have spent all or some of their savings, and one in ten (9%) have borrowed money to cover the additional costs of cancer.
Overall, two thirds (66%) of the 1,495 patients surveyed reported an increase in costs as a result of travelling to hospital or an increase in household expenses.
Unsurprisingly, the charity said, over two fifths (43%) of all cancer patients surveyed are anxious due directly to their financial situation.
It continued: "Regardless of the negative impact that cancer has on finances, the government is pressing ahead with welfare reform proposals that will make 7,000 cancer patients up to £94 a week worse off due to the changes to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
"Under another proposal, cancer patients needing immediate financial help to cover extra costs following their diagnosis will be forced to wait six months instead of three to get the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Ciarán Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, added: "Cancer is an expensive disease to live with, but this research shows just how close to the breadline many cancer patients really are.
"While we understand the benefits system is in need of reform, certain changes in the Welfare Reform Bill could have catastrophic effects on many families who are already struggling.
"We know many Lords oppose these proposals and hope they support cancer patients as the Bill makes its way through Parliament."
