Wales has the highest cancer rates in the UK

The figures are revealed in a report by the charity Macmillan Cancer Relief.

It says thousands of patients do not get what they are entitled to thanks to lack of information, confusion, or embarrassment.

The charity's findings relate to unclaimed benefits of Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

People diagnosed with terminal cancer automatically qualify for these benefits.

Across the UK as a whole, more than one million people living with the illness may still be entitled to claim a number of different allowances.

The charity says some people may not be aware they are entitled to claim, while others may find it difficult or embarrassing to apply.

Cathy Lindley, general manager for Macmillan Cancer Relief in Wales hopes that more cancer sufferers will be encouraged to find out whether they could be entitled to benefits.

She says the payments could, at least, ease some of the stress caused by money problems when patients and their families are already under considerable strain.

Just last week, experts warned that Wales would have over 5,000 extra cancer cases in 2024 because of its growing number of over 65s.

Wales already has the UK's highest cancer rate - largely because of its sizeable elderly population.

Smoking research

New figures released at a Cardiff conference warned cancer rates would rise as the number of retired people grew.

The Welsh assembly is taking action, including setting up a committee to look at smoking in public.

In Wales, 17% of the population is over 65.

According to the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit, that figure will grow to 23% by 2024.

Wales currently has 527 cancer cases for every 100,000 people - compared with 373 for every 100,000 in London.

Dr John Steward, director of the unit, said: "Wales' relatively elderly population is already heavily burdened by cancer and the latest projections suggest the incidence of the disease will continue to rise.

"It's extremely important that we continue to monitor and analyse the latest trends in population and cancer incidence, as they will be invaluable as the basis for future planning of cancer services".