Isolated cancer patients in Wales refusing treatment, says report
About 18,000 people in Wales are diagnosed with cancer every year, and around one in five of those lack support from their family and friends.
That is according to the cancer charity MacMillan which says that after a diagnosis many patients are afraid to talk about their illness.
Karen Sinclair is a former assembly member and was diagnosed with multiple myelomas in 2008.
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, she said it could be difficult to get the support you need from those closest to you and that some of her friends could not cope with her condition.
Susan Morris, general manager for Macmillan Cancer Support Wales, told Felicity Evans on BBC Radio Wales the disease could be quite isolating.