One in two cancer sufferers worries about costs, too

Half of all cancer patients in Australia experience financial stress, especially those undergoing long courses of treatment. Worryingly, that financial stress is having an impact on the decisions patients are making about their wellbeing.

Cancer sufferer Hassia Dumoulin Source: SBS

 

 

 

A new report published by Cancer Council Australia and the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia shows one in two Australian cancer survivors experiences financial stress.

 

The escalating cost of cancer care to the patient is an emerging global phenomenon.

 

Australia is no different, with patients typically paying around 15 per cent of the total lifetime costs of treatment, plus the extras.

 

One study showed almost one in five patients say cost-related factors influence their decisions about treatment.

 

Either way, cancer sufferers are being left short of funds -- and, says Sanchia Aranda of the Cancer Council, some left out of reach of the treatment they need.