Having breast cancer can cost women thousands of pounds, according to a survey by a UK charity.

The survey of 50 patients by Macmillan Cancer Relief found that on average patients spend around £2000 on extra costs during their treatment.

Almost a quarter of all patients identified travel to hospital and parking as their highest extra cost but surprisingly an equal number said the cost of complementary therapies was the highest bill they faced.

One in six said the cost of prescriptions for medicines was the largest financial cost, while one in seven said heating, electricity and gas bills were their most expensive cost.

The survey also found that these additional payments had a heavy impact on women's home and social lives.

A quarter said they had to cut back on food shopping or bought cheaper food, and three in five said they had fewer days or evenings out.

Peter Cardy, chief executive, Macmillan Cancer Relief: "Our survey has shown that patients see their spending levels rocket when they are diagnosed with breast cancer."

More than 41,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK.

One woman, Jean Williams from Aberdeenshire, has spent £12,200 throughout her treatment on extra costs as a result of having breast cancer.

She said: "As a result of my double mastectomy I have spent hundreds on getting to hospital - I have even had to buy a car. And due of the nature of my operations, I've spent thousands on complementary therapies including reflexology, aromatherapy and massage, otherwise I am in lot of pain."

Peter Cardy, chief executive, Macmillan Cancer Relief, said: "Our survey has shown that patients see their spending levels rocket when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. Patients have to spend out on travel to hospital to receive their life-saving treatment. But equally expensive is the cost of special diets and complementary therapies - it's clear that patients want to help control their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

"It is appalling to think that at this very stressful time cancer patients are having to worry about their financial situation - it should be the last thing on their mind."