The average British family can't afford cancer

A cancer diagnosis triggers all sorts of worries for families, and for many the last thing on their mind is their finances. However, a study by Macmillan Cancer Support has revealed that once they embark on treatment, money worries will soon emerge. The average family has a monthly shortfall of £200 - even if they slash their spending to the essentials.

Fortunately, in addition to all the usual money-saving techniques, there are specialist options open to people after a cancer diagnosis, and Macmillan has also revealed ten of the best.

1. Call your energy supplier
When you're going through treatment you may feel the cold more, and need the heating on more during the day. If you call your supplier and explain you have cancer, you may be entitled to a Warm Home discount.

If you're an npower customer with cancer and are spending more than ten percent of your income on fuel (and have limited savings) you're eligible for a special tariff and you could get assistance with arrears.

2. Check if you can get your pension early
Most schemes let you retire from the age of 55, but if you are unwell and will not be able to work again, you may get it sooner. Some schemes run by employers will also offer enhancements if you retire on the grounds of ill health. This is a big decision, though, and it's importance to get advice or guidance before making it.

3. Change your mortgage
Macmillan Cancer Support Finance Expert, Emma Cross, suggests moving to an 'interest only' mortgage to bring your monthly payments down. Alternatively, if you have had to stop work, you may be entitled to help towards your mortgage payments and service charge costs through some benefits. A Macmillan benefits adviser can help explain your options.

4. Ask about free parking
Your hospital may offer free or reduced parking permits if you are going to hospital very regularly for treatment. You may also be entitled to a blue badge.

5. Get your travel reimbursed
Travelling back and forth to appointments can really add up. If you have a low weekly income and are on some benefits, you may be able to get some of your travel costs reimbursed. Don't forget to bring your medical exemption certificate or proof of your benefits entitlement to hospital.

6. Rethink your phone package
Keeping in contact will be even more important than normal, but you need to do this as cost-effectively as possible. Think about when you are using your phone most at the moment, and whether it would be cheaper to get a package with free calls at certain times of day. If you have internet access, you can also save a fortune on calls by using a free videophone service like Skype or Facetime.

7. Get a disabled person's pass
If you have difficulty walking, you may qualify for a disabled person's pass for free travel on buses. This can include other forms of travel in London, such as the tube. Contact your local authority for a claim form and ask a benefits adviser to help you fill it out.

8. Don't forget free prescriptions and dental treatment
Anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis can get all their prescriptions free of charge, including those for cancer, the effects of cancer and the effects of cancer treatment. You can get an exemption certificate, which lasts for five years, which you can show the pharmacist by filling out an exemption certificate and getting your GP or hospital doctor to counter sign it. You can get it from your GP or oncology clinic who will advise you where to send it.

If you live in England and are on some benefits you are also entitled to free dental treatment, provided you give proof of the benefits you receive.

9. Ask about grants
You may be eligible for a Macmillan grant. These are usually small one-off payments which can be used for a variety of things such as extra clothing or help paying heating bills. You may be able to get help from your local council for specific expenses such as adapting your home to make it easier for you to live independently or for emergency help such as to pay for a cooker or essential furniture.

10. Get a tax rebate
If your income falls or stops part way through the tax year and you've paid too much income tax on your earnings, savings or other income you may be able to claim a tax rebate by contacting HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).