Financial toll hangs heavy over cancer patients

Jacinta Andrews knows all too well that the true cost of cancer extends far beyond medical bills or day treatment.

Her husband has been battling multiple forms of cancer for decades, and although he is in remission the family continue to navigate the ongoing effects of his treatments, with some procedures costing thousands.

While the public healthcare system covers a range of care, many patients still face the financial burden of cancer, research has found.

Cancer Council Australia's national survey published on Wednesday found that nearly 99 per cent of Australians diagnosed with cancer incur out-of-pocket expenses, even when accessing public care.

Tony Andrews was first diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2009, forcing Ms Andrews to act as a full-time carer, assisting with daily transport, medical treatments and emotional wellbeing.

While Ms Andrews was able to take paid time off, her husband was self-employed, and wasn't eligible for assistance.

She considers herself lucky though that she could take leave, adding that they wouldn't have been able to pay their mortgage if it wasn't for her supportive workplace.

The family were rocked by cancer again in 2023, after Mr Andrews was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which they are still navigating.

Although Mr Andrews remains in remission, the side effects of his treatment have proved costly.

"There are issues that continue and the latest ongoing thing since 2010, is the severity of the radiation treatment had on his gums and teeth," she told AAP.

"We have had a lot of dental costs, and we can't afford private health insurance."

Ms Andrews said the side effects on his teeth was unexpected, with her husband now struggling to eat.

"We are saving up for him to get dentures or plates," she said.

"We didn't know this was going to happen and you don't think about that stuff at the time of treatment, because you are just trying to survive."

Cancer Council analysis found that loss of income or disruption to employment is the most common financial cost, affecting more than a third of Australians diagnosed with cancer.

Surgical expenses (23.7 per cent ) and insurance gap payments (23.6 per cent) represented the largest out-of-pocket cost for nearly one quarter of respondents.

"It is a huge burden for people," Cancer Council's Peter Diamond told AAP.

"These costs can include both direct medical costs and indirect expenses, which people experience regardless of what stage (of) cancer diagnosis."

Australians should be able to access high-quality cancer care, based on what best meets their needs, not what they can afford, Dr Diamond added.

The research coincides with World Cancer Day and calls for increased access to financial counselling services for Australians affected by cancer through a mandatory industry-funded model, alongside greater investment from federal, state and territory governments.