Thousands of cancer patients struggle to keep up with their rent or mortgage repayments and some lose their homes, according to a survey.
The Macmillan Cancer Support research found that 6% of patients lose their home after being diagnosed with the disease and 18% have difficulties making repayments.
For those who were self-employed, 11% said they had lost their home, the study of 1,751 people found.
Almost a third (28%) of cancer patients with children under 18 had difficulties keeping up with payments compared with 15% of those without. A quarter (25%) of patients aged 35 to 44 found repayments a problem compared with 6% of those aged over 65.
The charity's chief executive, Peter Cardy, said the findings were "shocking", adding: "Having cancer should not cost you your home. These figures show that, through cancer, as many as 45,000 people each year are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and 15,000 have lost their homes.
"Too many people are facing overwhelming financial pressures at a time when they are fighting cancer - borrowing money, moving in with family, selling up or moving to help make ends meet. Some even face repossession.
"Macmillan is raising awareness of this desperate financial situation to help prevent more cancer patients from reaching crisis point."
The charity wants to see all cancer patients given access to specialist benefits advice and financial help.
Extra costs after diagnosis include prescription charges, hospital parking costs, food for special diets or high fuel bills, the charity said.
It has launched a new "Hitting Home" campaign to help patients check their insurance policies, talk to their mortgage lender and get advice on claiming benefits.
