Financial Toxicity: A Hidden Side Effect of Cancer Treatment

The last thing we want patients to worry about is how they’re going to be able to afford their treatment or medical bills. Nationally, the cost of healthcare is rising and this cost continues to be felt by patients despite having health insurance. Financial toxicity is any financial strain associated with receiving medical treatment. This is felt particularly by those receiving cancer treatment. The financial distress and difficulty navigating the healthcare system often lead to patients delaying the cancer treatment they need. 

Financial toxicity can be experienced differently for each patient and is often felt by the patients and their families as well. 

Ways Financial Distress Can Be Felt

Financial distress can be felt in many ways such as:

• Loss of income-due to taking time off of work during treatment
• Difficulty returning to work during and after treatment
• Reduction in spending
• Increase in indirect expenses like traveling expenses to medical appointments
• Depleting assets
• Accruing debt
• Difficulty choosing between affording basic needs like food and housing vs. treatment/medications

Factors that Play Into Financial Distress

Many factors can play into financial distress, including:

• Type of health coverage
• Severity of cancer
• Duration of medical treatment
• Social factors like age and income

Combating Financial Distress

Talk to Your Care Team

Talk to your provider, oncology navigator or social worker. They have information on financial assistance programs in your community. These programs often can provide assistance with food insecurity and transportation to medical appointments. 

Connect With Support Groups

Connect with your local support group. Sometimes it’s validating to hear others are experiencing similar concerns and identify solutions together.

Call Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company. They have case managers who can review your plan with you and determine if you qualify for additional support and benefits. Often, insurance companies also have access to nationwide resources that can provide additional support.

If you are struggling with financial distress, speak with your provider, social worker, or oncology navigator today who can assist with accessing resources and offer further support.