Cancer, Ill Health and Debt: The Financial Impact of Serious Illness.
Debt does not always start with poor money management. For many people, financial difficulty begins with a life event that could not be planned for or avoided. Serious illness, including cancer, can place sudden and overwhelming pressure on household finances.
At Trust Deed Scotland®, we regularly speak to customers whose money problems began with a health crisis rather than a financial decision.
World Cancer Day and the Human Impact of Cancer
World Cancer Day is an international awareness day held annually on the 4th February, which focuses on improving understanding of cancer and the challenges faced by those affected. Organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support highlight not only the medical impact of cancer but also the emotional and financial strain it places on individuals and families.
In October 2025, Trust Deed Scotland® raised over £500 in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. This fundraising was part of our ongoing commitment to supporting people affected by cancer and recognising the wider impact the illness can have on individuals, families and finances.
Macmillan’s work plays a vital role in providing practical, emotional and financial support to those living with cancer, and we are proud to contribute to that effort in a meaningful way.
World Cancer Day Theme 2025 to 2027
The World Cancer Day theme for 2025 to 2027 is United by Unique. This theme places people at the centre of care and their individual stories at the heart of conversations about cancer.
Every cancer experience is different. The financial impact, the emotional strain and the support needed will vary from person to person. This is especially true when illness affects income, employment and the ability to manage everyday costs.
What Our Survey Shows
In a recent Trust Deed Scotland customer survey, we asked:
What was the biggest cause of your financial difficulties?
5% said ill health or injury
Almost 3% said a bereavement
These figures show that for many people, debt begins with circumstances completely outside their control. Illness and loss often trigger a chain reaction that leads to financial difficulty.
How Cancer Can Lead to Debt
Loss or Reduction of Income
Cancer treatment can make it impossible to work for extended periods. Even where Statutory Sick Pay or employer support is available, income is often much lower than normal earnings.
Self-employed people are particularly affected, as time away from work can result in little or no income.
Increased Everyday Costs
Cancer can bring additional costs at the same time income is reduced. These may include travel to hospital appointments, prescription charges, higher energy bills, childcare or domestic support, and special dietary needs.
Using Credit to Get By
To manage essential expenses, many customers rely on credit cards, overdrafts or loans. What starts as short term support can quickly become difficult to manage once interest and charges build.
Real Customer Experiences Affected by Cancer
The theme United by Unique is reflected in the real experiences of Trust Deed Scotland customers who faced problem debt following cancer diagnoses or caring responsibilities.
Graham
Graham contacted Trust Deed Scotland® during an extremely difficult period in his life. Alongside major personal changes, he was also dealing with a cancer diagnosis, which placed significant pressure on both his health and finances.
“From day one, speaking with Ashley on the call to start the process, my mind was put at ease. I knew that being honest, open and communicating regularly was the only way to make a Trust Deed work.
I think people sometimes bury their head in the sand when changes happen and feel they cannot stick to the original agreement. I could have ignored the problems, but I knew from the outset that the review team and regular check-ins really help reduce stress and support a successful Trust Deed outcome.
The last two to three years were extremely tough. I was diagnosed with a low form of cancer, split up with the mother of my children, moved into temporary housing and eventually found a new home, all while trying to be a parent and work two to three jobs.
There was never any pressure or force from Trust Deed Scotland, and I will never forget that. I would recommend this to anyone facing overwhelming debt and stress.
Do not bury your head in the sand. Take a brave step and pick up the phone.”
Paul
Paul and his wife faced sudden financial difficulty after their child was diagnosed with cancer. Caring responsibilities meant both parents had to take time off work, causing an immediate drop in household income during an already distressing time.
“The service provided was second to none. Matthew McNally was our adviser from the very start, and he guided us through one of the toughest periods of our lives. He put our minds at ease straight away.
Our financial situation arose because one of our children was diagnosed with cancer. My wife and I had to stay off work to care for her, and our income fell suddenly.
Matthew was extremely understanding and reassured us that he would find a solution, which he did. He removed one of our biggest worries and stresses and put us in a much better financial position.
This allowed us to focus entirely on caring for our daughter. We really cannot thank him enough or speak highly enough of the support we received. He is a credit to Trust Deed Scotland.”
Angela
Angela’s financial difficulties developed over several years while she was caring for her father during his terminal cancer diagnosis. Despite working tirelessly and doing everything she could to stay afloat, her situation eventually became unmanageable.
“Entering a Trust Deed was the best decision I ever made. Even after I had fully paid my Trust Deed, the support continued. The advice I received was genuinely helpful and actually worked.
My financial problems started while my dad was dying of cancer. I gave up work to care for him and tried everything possible to keep paying my bills. I worked night shifts and zero hour contracts, but it was still not enough.
I had worked for the same company since I was 18. When I returned, I was placed under an agency contract for years. By the time I finally regained stability, I was already too far gone financially.
Setting up a Trust Deed gave me breathing space. The help and advice stopped the sleepless nights and constant anxiety. Sometimes people fall into debt even when they are trying their hardest to get out of it.
I would highly recommend Trust Deed Scotland.”
James
James explained that his financial problems escalated rapidly after his wife was diagnosed with cancer and had to stop working. Balancing work, finances and caring responsibilities quickly became impossible.
“The service I received was outstanding. Amy in customer services was friendly, clear and explained exactly what moving forward would look like.
My money problems were manageable at first, but everything changed when my wife was diagnosed with cancer and had to stop working. I tried to keep us afloat, but my wife needed me at home, and I simply could not afford to take time off.
Eventually, it hit me that my financial problems were not going away. Vicky set everything up for me, and the stress was lifted almost immediately.
Now I can focus on helping my wife through her treatment without constant financial pressure. I cannot thank the team enough for the help and support they provided.”
Support and Resources Available
If cancer, ill health or bereavement has contributed to debt, support is available.
Alongside debt advice, there are organisations that can help with benefits, emotional support and practical guidance. We have gathered a range of trusted charities and services on our support and signposting page:
Trust Deed Scotland® Support Services
These resources are designed to support individuals alongside their financial journey.
How to Contact Our Debt Advice Team Today
To get in touch with our debt advice team, please call us on 0141 221 0999. Our team of experienced debt advisers will discuss your circumstances and talk you through the available Scottish debt solutions for you.
Alternatively, if you are unable to make a call, you can contact us via our WhatsApp Debt Advice Service, or quickly check your options using our Trust Deed Wizard® tool before reaching out to us.
You Are Not Alone
Illness and bereavement are life events, not financial failures. Cancer can change lives in ways that go far beyond health, and financial difficulty should never be a source of shame.
Trust Deed Scotland® is here to provide clear, compassionate guidance and help customers take control of their finances during some of life’s most difficult moments.