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Breast Cancer Survivors Face £12,000 Annual Hidden Costs
26 Mar
Summary
- Survivors incur up to £12,000 yearly in hidden costs.
- One-third of women face financial difficulties post-treatment.
- Costs include lost work, childcare, and travel expenses.
Breast cancer survivors are facing substantial hidden financial burdens, with costs reaching up to £12,000 per year, a comprehensive report has revealed. These expenses persist long after medical treatment concludes, affecting an estimated one-third of women living with the disease. The ongoing financial strain includes lost income, childcare expenses, and travel costs, potentially lasting for decades.
Presenting these findings, experts emphasized that while the NHS is free at the point of care, significant unmet financial needs exist. These costs are exacerbated by geographical disparities and the impact of treatment side-effects or lack of support in returning to work. Beyond monetary costs, many survivors experience immense stress due to these financial challenges.
To address this, researchers have proposed six evidence-based recommendations. These include trust-led discussions about financial worries, phased return-to-work schemes, and assistance with form-filling. The authors are urging the government to reassess its approach and implement a coordinated national strategy to alleviate these substantial and unnecessary financial burdens on tens of thousands of women.
