Travel and parking was identified as the equal highest cost

Macmillan Cancer Relief said a survey of 50 patients found they faced unexpected bills for hospital parking fees, prescriptions and diet changes.

On average, the cost was �2,000, but one woman spent �12,000, which included buying a car to get to hospital.

For many patients, such extra costs coincide with a loss of income and patients can end up in debt because of their disease, the charity said.

More than 41,000 women and 300 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK.

As a result of my double mastectomy I have spent hundreds on getting to hospital - I have even had to buy a car Jean Williams from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, who has spent �12,200

Almost a quarter of those surveyed identified travel to hospital and parking as the highest extra financial cost linked to their cancer.

An equal number said their highest extra cost was linked to improving their diet or using complementary therapies.

'Fewer treats'

Many patients feel that special foods, massage or aromatherapy are necessary expenditure as they can aid their recovery.

'CANCER COST ME �5,000' Cath Sorsby, 57, from Sheffield, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. She underwent a mastectomy and a course of chemotherapy, but also dealt with further surgery after she developed an infection, and pneumonia. She was unable to return to her job as a teacher. And she says she faced many unexpected costs. "I lost two-and-a-half stone after my first operation, so I had to buy a whole new wardrobe which was costly, even though I spent the minimum. "I also suffer extremes of temperature, which has meant we've spent double on additional electricity and gas. "And we had to employ a carer for three months, and have to have a cleaner because I can't do it. "We also had to have our bathroom adapted because I can't climb into the bath." Cath added: "These sorts of costs are a real burden."

One in six said the cost of prescriptions was the highest bill they faced, while one in seven said heating, electricity and gas bills were their most expensive cost.

These additional payments had an impact on women's home lives, the survey found.

A quarter said they had to cut back on food shopping or bought cheaper food, and half had to cut back on buying clothes or haircuts.

Three in five patients said they had fewer days or evenings out, while others reported being able to have fewer treats such as takeaways or meals out (54%)

Breast cancer patient Jean Williams from Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, said she had spent �12,200.

She said: "As a result of my double mastectomy, I have spent hundreds on getting to hospital - I have even had to buy a car.

"And due to the nature of my operations, I've spent thousands on complementary therapies including reflexology, aromatherapy and massage, otherwise I am in lot of pain."

Lesley Dileonardo, from Somerset, added: "Since being diagnosed, we have had the worry of extra costs plus losing my wage.

"The same costs are being paid out, but half the amount of money is coming into the household budget. The added worry of finances at a time like this is devastating."

Stressful time

Peter Cardy, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Relief, said: "Our survey has shown that patients see their spending levels rocket when they are diagnosed with breast cancer.

"Patients have to spend out on travel to hospital to receive their life-saving treatment.

"But equally expensive is the cost of special diets and complementary therapies - it's clear that patients want to help control their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

"It is appalling to think that at this very stressful time cancer patients are having to worry about their financial situation - it should be the last thing on their mind."

Emma Taggart, director of policy and campaigns at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: "Being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing treatment is an upsetting time for many women without the added pressure of financial worries.

"Women tell us that this is a major issue and that there isn't enough information out there.

"Greater awareness of how women can ease this pressure is key."

Clara Mackay, of the charity Breast Cancer Care, said: "This report reinforces the need to tackle the financial burden thousands of people affected by breast cancer and their families can suffer.