The Cost and Care Dilemma

Cost of living is the cost of maintaining a certain standard of living, and many people anticipate and plan for increases in the costs of everyday needs. But when the cost of a medical diagnosis such as cancer is unexpectedly added to the budget, the out-of-pocket costs can have a severe and negative impact on the one diagnosed and their family. This additional burden—often called financial toxicity—includes costs for hospital stays, outpatient procedures and tests, medical appointments, prescription drugs, and other charges related to care. Adding to the problem are issues including the possibility of missing time at work, the inability to work at all, living on a fixed income, and having no healthcare insurance. This financial distress can lead to a cycle of delaying or forgoing recommended healthcare treatment or follow-up and medication nonadherence, as well as food and housing insecurity.

There are many groups working to increase access to affordable healthcare and to raise awareness of resources that help people facing financial distress caused by a cancer diagnosis. If you find yourself in this cost and care dilemma, the first step is to ask a member of your healthcare team for help. This member may be an oncology social worker, a financial navigator, or a nonprofit organization in your community. Even with health insurance, understanding coverage can be overwhelming. Getting concrete answers on what is covered can create a foundational understanding of next steps to connect to resources.

Each year, the editors of Conquer update our exclusive Patient Guide to Cancer Support Services to help you find financial assistance for your prescribed medications. You can also find support through national associations such as the American Cancer Society, Cancer Support Community, or CancerCare. Further, there are state and local resources that can be found at the Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (www.cancerfac.org), and your local United Way office can direct you to services in your community.

The severity of financial toxicity can change over the course of your treatment. The first step in resolving these challenges is to voice your concern.