The charity is urging GPs to check that cancer patients know they are entitled to free prescriptions.
Figures from the DoH show that only a third of the 150,000 patients eligible for free prescriptions have applied for an exemption certificate which would allow them to collect their medication free of charge.
GPs should issue an exemption certificate to people needing medication to treat any diagnosed cancer, the effects of cancer and the effects of cancer treatment.
Mike Hobday, head of campaigns and policy at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: ‘More than four months after the introduction of free prescriptions, it’s worrying that the overwhelming majority of cancer patients are still scrimping and saving to pay for their medication.
‘We urge GPs to check that people collecting medication for cancer are aware of their entitlement and call on the government to do more to ensure GPs are clear on the guidance around exemption.’
Macmillan has produced a poster to help GP spread the word about free prescriptions. Click here to download a copy
