The Cost of Cancer: The Impact of Cancer-Related Financial Burdens on Emotional Well-Being

A new cancer diagnosis strikes nearly 2 million Americans each year. Though cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in the United States, screening, prevention and treatments have improved, and mortality rates from many types of cancer have dropped. As the survival rates for cancer increase, unfortunately, so do the price tags for treatment.

Many of those living with cancer cannot afford to focus solely on their health; they must also confront the direct and indirect financial costs associated with their diagnosis, which disproportionately affect women and people of color.

In collaboration with Cancer Care, HealthyWomen sought to understand the impact of cancer-related costs on post-treatment survivors, caregivers and those living with cancer. Our survey found that 44%of respondents say cost was a factor in treatment decisions. These financial burdens created emotional distress, depression, anxiety, exhaustion and a sense of powerlessness.

HealthyWomen and Cancer Care hosted "The Cost of Cancer" webinar offering solutions to help caregivers and those living with cancer reduce cancer-related financial stress. Our panel of esteemed experts included:

• Beth Battaglino, RN, CEO, HealthyWomen
• Shruti Kulkarni, Esq., Aimed Alliance
• Darcy Burbage, DNP, RN, AOCN, CBCN, Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Rhonda Smith, Executive Director, California Black Health Network
• Christine Verini, Chief Operating Officer, CancerCare

Watch the webinar

This resource was created with support from Amgen and Daiichi Sankyo.

Navigating the Cost of Cancer

The Cost of Cancer Report

Women Pay the Price for Cancer

Caring for Someone With Cancer Is Emotional — and Expensive

New Survey Reveals 44% of Current and Former Patients Living With Cancer Say Cost Was a Factor in Treatment Decisions; 55% Reported Feeling Depressed Over Financial Burden