Understanding Financial Toxicity: The Financial Impact of Breast Cancer
Explore the financial impact of breast cancer, from out-of-pocket costs to income loss. Learn about support services, coping strategies, and clinical trials.
Breast cancer doesn’t just affect physical or mental health – it often brings financial burden. This issue is commonly known as financial toxicity, which refers to the financial stress and hardship caused by the cost of cancer care. For many patients in Australia and New Zealand, financial toxicity in cancer can mean large out-of-pocket costs, reduced income, and the emotional distress of trying to afford treatment.
As a result of enhanced insight into the financial impact of breast cancer, patients and caregivers can prepare for challenges, seek support, and access services that ease the burden of financial toxicity in healthcare.
What is Financial Toxicity and Why It Matters for Breast Cancer Patients
The COSA Financial Toxicity Roadmap (2024) defines financial toxicity as the harmful impact of cancer-related costs on patients and their families. Studies show that financial toxicity can reduce quality of life, increase psychological distress, and interfere with treatment adherence for breast cancer patients.
In breast cancer care, financial toxicity includes:
- Direct out-of-pocket medical costs for treatments, scans, and medications.
- Indirect costs such as lost wages, parking, childcare, and travel.
- Psychological distress and financial concerns caused by treatment costs.
- Increased risks of delaying or skipping scheduled care due to unaffordable expenses.
Understanding what financial toxicity means for breast cancer patients is very important; younger people are particularly vulnerable, as a diagnosis can disrupt careers, family responsibilities, long-term financial security and income loss. Learn more about the challenges of early-onset breast cancer.
Out-of-Pocket Costs and Income Loss in Breast Cancer
Many Australians diagnosed with breast cancer face significant financial pressures. Research from Breast Cancer Network Australia shows that out-of-pocket costs can reach thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars, depending on insurance status, treatment type, and whether care is provided in the public or private system.
The Monash report published in Feb 2025 has revealed that estimated 10,732 Australian women of working-age were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. This has led to a projected loss of AU$1.4 billion in wage earnings over the 10-year period post diagnosis. This highlights the socioeconomic burden this disease places on both the Australian economy and women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Hidden costs also add to the breast cancer financial burden:
- Travel and accommodation, especially for rural and remote patients.
- Parking fees at hospitals and treatment centres.
- Childcare or household help during treatment.
- Loss of earnings or potential earnings during treatment and illness.
For many, the financial strain is worsened by lost wages or reduced work hours. Job loss and limited workplace flexibility lead to serious financial hardship after breast cancer, including long-term consequences for superannuation and retirement planning. Learn more about the employment and productivity impact of breast cancer.
Emotional and Psychological Impact of Financial Toxicity
The link between financial distress in cancer and mental health is clear. Patients experiencing financial toxicity and cancer concerns report higher levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. When treatment costs become overwhelming, patients sometimes delay care or avoid recommended therapies which has the potential to worsen cancer outcomes.
In breast cancer, the combination of fatigue, uncertainty, and financial hardship often leads to emotional strain for both patients and carers. Financial pressure often adds to the emotional burden of a breast cancer diagnosis, contributing to stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. You can read more about the link between mental wellbeing and physical symptoms in our article on breast cancer fatigue vs normal fatigue.
Support, Intervention, and Resources to Manage Financial Toxicity
While the costs of breast cancer can feel overwhelming, it’s important to know that there are services and strategies available to help manage financial toxicity in breast cancer care. Support can come from health professionals, trusted organisations, government programs, and even clinical research.
One of the most effective approaches is financial navigation – dedicated support that helps patients understand the costs of care, plan ahead, and access available subsidies. The Cancer Council offers free financial counselling, and many hospitals have social workers who can guide patients through Centrelink entitlements, insurance queries, and budgeting support. The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre provides resources on financial toxicity in cancer care, helping people understand costs and find support during their breast cancer journey.
At a policy level, the COSA Financial Toxicity Roadmap (2024) calls for changes to reduce the financial burden of breast cancer, including better workplace protections, improved Medicare coverage, and increased access to financial navigation services. These recommendations recognise that financial distress is not only related to treatment but a critical consideration in holistic breast cancer care.
Practical supports can also ease day-to-day pressures. Rural patients may be eligible for travel and accommodation subsidies, while workplace flexibility policies can help patients maintain income during treatment.
Clinical research also plays an important role. At Breast Cancer Trials, studies are underway to improve breast cancer survival while addressing quality-of-life issues such as fatigue, side effects, and the economic impact of treatment. You can learn more about our supportive care research.
Most importantly for patients and carers, managing the financial toxicity starts with open conversations. Talking with your healthcare team about treatment costs and available support can help families make informed decisions and access services that reduce financial stress.
FAQ:
What is financial toxicity in breast cancer care?
Financial toxicity is the financial stress caused by breast cancer treatment and related expenses. It includes both direct out-of-pocket costs and indirect costs like lost wages. The COSA Financial Toxicity Roadmap (2024) highlights how this issue impacts patient wellbeing, treatment adherence, and psychological health.
How much does breast cancer cost out of pocket in Australia?
Out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the type of care. Patients treated in the private health system often pay more because Medicare and private insurance don’t always cover the full fees charged by specialists or private hospitals. The extra amount left over is known as a “gap payment”.
In the public system, most treatment is covered by Medicare, which usually means lower direct costs, though there may be longer wait times or limited choice of specialists.
On top of medical bills, many patients face hidden costs such as travel, accommodation, parking, childcare and loss of income. These everyday expenses quickly add to the financial burden of breast cancer care.
What are common causes of financial hardship after breast cancer diagnosis?
Financial hardship in breast cancer often comes from a mix of medical and non-medical costs. Many patients reduce work hours or stop working altogether, which lowers household income. At the same time, not all treatments are fully covered by Medicare or private insurance, leaving patients to pay out-of-pocket. Everyday expenses such as travel, accommodation, and parking add to the pressure, while the emotional stress of balancing money with treatment decisions makes the situation even harder.
How can I manage the financial burden of breast cancer?
Managing financial toxicity in breast cancer care starts with seeking help early. Speaking to a financial counsellor through the Cancer Council or your hospital can provide guidance. It’s also important to talk openly with your healthcare team about treatment costs, explore Centrelink entitlements, and check if your workplace offers flexible arrangements. Simple steps like budgeting and connecting with support groups can also make a difference in easing financial stress.
What support services are available for financial toxicity in Australia?
There are several trusted services that can help manage the financial burden of breast cancer. The Cancer Council and Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) offer dedicated programs, while hospital social workers provide financial navigation services. Patients in rural or regional areas may be eligible for government travel and accommodation subsidies.
Sources:
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/articles/finance-and-practical-support/
https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services/practical-and-financial-assistance
https://www.cosa.org.au/media/idtdw2zk/financial-toxicity-roadmap_final.pdf
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