The Big C Centre next to the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital.

Norfolk and Waveney’s cancer charity has echoed concerns that families and friends who care for cancer patients are missing out on support and benefits.

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New figures show that around half (49pc) of the 1.1m people in the UK looking after someone with the disease receive no formal or informal support at all, with only 5pc saying they have had a carers’ assessment with their local authority.

Now Big C has joined Macmillan Cancer Support, which released the figures, in encouraging more carers to come forward for help.

Macmillan says the statistics may explain why 46pc of people caring for a loved-one with cancer experience mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and depression, and why one in eight suffer physical health issues such as sleep and digestive problems.

Big C chief executive Daniel Williams said: “Millions of people around Britain are giving up their time to care for people with cancer every day. Being a carer is a full-time, demanding role.

“This timely survey from Macmillan makes it clear that many of them are not getting the support they should receive.

“Here in Norfolk and Waveney Big C works to help local people access top quality care and support. Please contact us if you would like to find out more about how we can help you.”

Carers can be people who offer physical or emotional support to someone with cancer. Big C offers a welfare advice service in venues across Norfolk and Waveney to help cancer patients and the people who care for them access support.

To find out more about support available for carers, or to pre-book a welfare rights session in your area, please phone Big C’s Cancer Support and Information Centre on 01603 286112.

The find out more about the work of Big C, call the Big C office on 01603 619900 or visit the website at www.big-c.co.uk.