Cancer costs add to pain of diagnosis

CANCER has a new sideeffect. It’s called “financial toxicity”.

It describes the unintended economic harm suffered because of cancer treatment.

Just being told: “You have cancer” has an immediate impact on a person, as I think we can all understand. But that diagnosis can change your life and the lives of the people around you in massive ways.

Being a public or private patient does not detract from the cost impact to the patient or their families, but people who live regionally will often experience higher costs than those who live closer to treatment.

It was recently reported the median out-ofpocket costs for cancer patients in Tasmania was around $10,000.

Costs can include treatment prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, specialist fees and gap payments, travel and accommodation, childcare and car parking. One Sydney client spent more than $10,000 in parking fees.

Adding to this is the loss of income through reduced or lost employment. This can be for a protracted period of time, depending on the type of cancer and stage of diagnosis.

In families with a child diagnosed with cancer, both parents may take time away from work. This can affect the entire family, with siblings having study time affected by the mental stress of worrying about a sick brother or sister.

Many carers have had to reduce their working hours and there are costs of travel not covered by patient assistance schemes.

There can be an additional strain on relationships when both patient and carer have reduced work and income.

A recent study showed financial stress is influencing decisions about treatment, with some deterred by the expense. Others are delaying treatment until they can afford it or increasing their debt.

Nearly nine Tasmanians a day receive a cancer diagnosis. The financial, psychological and social impact on them, their families and communities is significant.

All Tasmanians impacted by cancer should have access to treatment and support. Their decision about treatment should not be influenced by cost-related factors, but they are.

Evidence shows early detection can save lives and we don’t want Tasmanians avoiding getting checked due to their inability to afford or get to treatment if diagnosed.

Cancer Council Tasmania’s transport 2 treatment service is free and reduces the stress of travel and car parking.

We provide support services and programs including financial assistance and educational scholarships.

Many people need to access government benefits. The system can be difficult to navigate when healthy, let alone when dealing with the stress of ill health. We facilitate meetings for clients with Centrelink staff from our support centre in Launceston and from Hobart in 2018.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated health system expenditure on cancer increased from $2.9 billion in 2001 to more than $4.5 billion in 2009. However, this may represent less than half of the overall costs.

One in three cancers can be avoided. There could be a significant reduction in the cost if a cancer diagnosis was avoided in the first place.

Government investment into cancer prevention education programs is imperative but unfortunately minimal. Each year Cancer Council Tasmania lobbies government for funding to educate Tasmanians on how to reduce their cancer risk.

Evidence indicates that behavioural change can be achieved. Cancer Council Tasmania wants the opportunity to make it happen.