“Having cancer was expensive, especially on my family.”
If you’ve been affected by the cost of cancer and would like to contribute to Cancer Council’s important advocacy work in this area, we’d love to hear from you.
Depending on your level of interest, this may include things like sharing your story, being interviewed in the media, participating in workshops or taking part in research.
We are calling for expressions of interest from those who would like to be involved or would like to know more and we will get in touch with opportunities in the coming months.
Register your interest
Financial toxicity
The financial burden associated with a cancer diagnosis, or financial toxicity, negatively affects the quality of life for the cancer patient and their family.
Following a diagnosis of cancer, there is often limited information provided regarding the true costs involved. These costs relate directly to increased out-of-pocket expenses, such as healthcare expenses, parking, fuel and additional utility expenses. Alongside this there is often an unanticipated and drastic reduction in household income.
“My cancer was found early but still necessitated surgery, six weeks off work in a casual job. Centrelink very unhelpful and I didn't get full hours back until after 12 weeks!”
We know from studies that half of Australians with cancer have out-of-pocket costs in excess of $5,000. And alarmingly, 1 in 6 people report skipping medications or delay seeing a specialist for concerns about cost.
At a time when people should be focused on their recovery, extra, and often unavoidable costs, can become a real source of stress and worry.
While the cost of cancer care in Australia has been examined for a number of years, a surprisingly small number of studies have investigated this issue from the patient perspective.
Influencing change
By contributing to our advocacy initiatives, you really can make a difference in reducing the impact that the cost of cancer has on many Victorians. Your voice is vital and strengthens our advocacy efforts to achieve change.
In the last few months, Cancer Council has consulted with more than 600 patients, carers and health professionals as part of our submission to the State Government’s Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-2024. The cost of cancer has emerged as a key theme in these consultations.
“For someone who has been diagnosed, there is nothing worse than the added stress of finances being eroded by gap fees, radiology fees, pathology fees and carparking fees.”
Cancer Council is committed to helping ease the burden of a cancer diagnosis.
To find out more about how you can be involved or to receive more information about our advocacy initiatives please contact Alice Bastable from our cancer strategy unit.
Alice.Bastable@cancervic.org.au phone (03) 9514 6675
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