Financial Toxicity & Indirect Costs

Livestrong Foundation found that close to 60% of cancer survivors they surveyed in 2015 faced financial problems and felt financially stressed. Even more feared future financial problems. This situation is often referred to as “financial toxicity,” and the burden on cancer patients is real. The National Cancer Institute lists effects of financial toxicity on patients, such as not taking medicine as directed and experiencing more pain and more symptoms. See Triage Cancer’s “Checklist to Minimize Financial Toxicity.”

See our related posts on health insurance, Medicare, and other financial aspects of medical care for tips to keep medical costs lower.

Indirect costs of care can add up too, especially if your specialized care is not close to home. The American Cancer Society has a travel assistance program, and the Hope Lodge Program provides low cost lodging located near some major medical centers. Many hospitals have lists of hotels near them that offer hospital rates to patients and families—ask for more information from the hospital’s information services or your referring physician. There are some community and medical center programs that are complimentary for cancer patients and that can provide much needed supportive care while managing your cancer care.