Carers UK responds to research published today by Macmillan Cancer Support, which shows that around 110,000 people in the UK are caring for a parent with cancer, whilst also looking after their own children [1].

Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, said:

“In raising awareness of the pressures facing people who are caring for a parent with cancer whilst also looking after their young children and often juggling work, Macmillan’s research highlights a far wider and deeper issue for carers who support loved ones across many conditions.

“Indeed, there are a staggering 2.4 million people who are sandwiched between raising families of their own whilst providing care to an older loved one with a disability or chronic illness. And it is women who are more likely to shoulder this responsibility, with our research showing that they are four times more likely than men to have given up work due to multiple caring responsibilities.

“Today’s report adds to growing evidence that this is fast becoming one of the hardest pressed generations [2]. As a society, we must recognise that we all likely to either receive or provide care at some point in our lives. Without the right support at the right time, caring can take a serious toll on carers’ health, finances and ability to have a life outside of caring. With this in mind, the Government must use the opportunity of its new Carers Strategy to make lasting change in the way public services and workplaces support families.”

Carers UK is here with advice, information and support wherever you are on your caring journey. For practical advice and information about caring:

• Visit the Carers UK website on carersuk.org
• Contact the Carers UK Adviceline on 0808 808 7777 (10am-4pm, Monday-Friday) or email advice@carersuk.org
• Visit the Carers UK Forum, our online community of carers, on carersuk.org/forum 

[1] Under Pressure – The growing strain on cancer carers (2016) Macmillan Cancer Support

[2] Caring responsibilities in