A CARER from Bury who has looks after her husband who suffers from prostate cancer has spoke of her experiences — as figures show the number of people caring for someone with cancer has rocketed.

Marilyn Stiller, aged 70, cares for her 67-year-old husband Philip, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer 10 years ago.

She is one of almost 1.5 million people across the UK who cares for people suffering with a form of cancer, according to Macmillan Cancer Support.

This represents an increase of 31 per cent in the past five years, the charity says.

Mrs Stiller says carers can often be forgotten about, and that it is a very difficult role.

She said: "It can be a thankless task being a carer. The patient just gets on with what they have to do, such as taking their medication or going to hospital appointments.

"Everybody asks about the poor patient, and quite right too, but the carer often gets completely overlooked, especially when you do such a hard and stressful job looking after someone 24/7.

“People never ask ‘are you all right or is there anything I can do’, and that would make such a difference. It can also be quite lonely being a carer, especially if Philip needs a rest — what can I do?

"Philip says I can go out but I need to be there and check he’s OK. So you can feel tied to the house and it can get you down.

“You often feel a lot of pressure on you to make sure they take the right medication at the right time, which can be quite a responsibility. So if you are able to get out, and make some time for yourself then do it, as this time is precious and helps you cope — but never forget who you are caring for.”

Macmillan wants the Government to recognise the specific needs of cancer carers in the new Carers strategy for England, and set out a clear plan of how carers will be able to get the help and support they need.

Fran Woodard, executive director of policy and impact at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "As the number of people being diagnosed with cancer continues to rise, we will see even more people having to care for their friends and family, so we urgently need to ensure the right support is in place for them.

"We simply can’t expect carers to keep bearing the brunt so we need to support health and social care professionals to let carers know that there is help available which they’re entitled too."

Macmillan offers advice to carers on its website at macmillan.org.uk/carers and on its support line on 0808 808 00 00.