Seven in 10 people living with cancer are facing unexpected costs averaging around £6,500 a year, according to a report from insurer Zurich.
The Hidden Cost of Cancer report which surveyed 300 people living with cancer, found 78% of those diagnosed within the last two years have been faced with unexpected costs, increasing monthly outgoings by an average of £541.
According to those surveyed, the top 10 unexpected costs cancer patients face are:
- Petrol to travel to appointments (38%)
- Convenience food and/or a changed diet (33%)
- Clothes due to changes in size (32%)
- Energy bills at home to keep it warm (31%)
- Hospital parking (30%)
- Prescriptions costs (29%)
- Medical aids or prosthetics (28%)
- Public transport or taxi fares (27%)
- Domestic support at home (22%)
- Childcare (20%)
Consequently, 39% of respondents were drawing on savings to help them get by, while 34% said they were just about managing to pay essential bills.
A quarter of those surveyed (26%) borrowed money from friends and family, and a similar proportion (25%) had sold precious possessions.
More than a quarter (28%) said their diagnosis had caused them to struggle financially to the extent of being unable to pay all their bills.
Over half (58%) had been forced to change their employment due to their diagnosis, reducing their hours (32%) or pausing work altogether (26%).
Four in 10 of those surveyed did not have a savings net if their income stopped and a quarter explained they would not be able to financially sustain themselves for longer than 12 months with no income.
Almost three quarters of respondents (74%) did not receive financial support from a critical illness or income protection policy to help cover costs.
Of those that did, more than half (57%) said having a policy in place had helped ease the burden of a cancer diagnosis.
To raise awareness of the impact of a cancer diagnosis on everyday life the report has been launched alongside a photography exhibition curated by and featuring images from acclaimed British photographer Martin Parr and TV celebrity Merlin Griffiths.
It presents photography captured by people living with cancer or who are in remission, to spotlight the precious aspects of life that are given new significance.
Maggie’s, a charity which provides free cancer support and information in centres across the UK and online, has also supported the launch.
Costs more concerning than cancer
Maggie’s CEO Dame Laura Lee said the campaign helped highlight the added difficulties people living with cancer are facing while reminding them of the support available.
“It has also raised some much-needed funds to support our network of UK centres,“ she said.
“We know through our experts and our research, that many people are more worried about the rising cost of living than they are about their cancer diagnosis. At such a traumatic time, financial challenges are the last thing they should be burdened with.
“We’re pleased to say that Zurich’s donation will pay for over 500 sessions with a benefits adviser, so that someone with cancer or their carer, can get critical financial advice and support that they may need at such a difficult time.”
Louise Colley, Zurich UK’s director of retail protection, (pictured) added that the hidden cost of cancer, for many, stretched far beyond the illness itself.
“The financial stress associated with a diagnosis, as our data reveals, adds an enormous weight to individuals, their families and loved ones,“ she said.
“Research shows that half of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime, making this an illness that affects us all.
“We are proud to partner with Maggie’s, Martin Parr and Merlin Griffiths to highlight this important issue and to celebrate the everyday moments that those living with cancer cherish the most.
“We hope that the poignant images, shared by people from all over the UK, will encourage others to get the screening and medical help they need.”
