Financial help and resources for cancer patients

October 8, 2024 | 10 min read Crowdfunding

Cancer has touched the lives of almost everyone in the world, whether directly or indirectly. Unfortunately, the number of people continues to grow—the Canadian Cancer Society estimated that approximately 247,100 people in Canada are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2024.

A cancer diagnosis undoubtedly puts massive psychological stress on patients and their families. For many Canadians, the financial cost of cancer care can be equally as challenging as the diagnosis. With that in mind, we’re here to provide you with resources about financial help for cancer patients.

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The true cost of cancer

Everyone is aware of the emotional impact a cancer diagnosis has, but the financial cost is often something most people don’t consider.

90% of people in Canada feel a sudden cancer diagnosis would impact their household finances and 30% said they would have to go into debt to pay for the out-of-pocket costs.
Cancer-related costs were $26.2 billion in Canada in 2021. 30% of costs fell to patients and their families.
In 2021, in the first year after cancer was diagnosed, patients and families’ costs amounted to almost $4.8 billion.
On average, cancer patients in Canada pay $290 out-of-pocket per month on medications, caregiver expenses, and other cancer treatment-related costs.

Therefore, it’s vital to think about financial help for cancer patients, as not only do they face the direct expenses of medical care but also have to take into account the peripheral costs and arrangements. These can include travel, food, lodging, and other daily expenditures.

Factors that cause financial hardship for cancer patients

There are many costs associated with a cancer diagnosis and the possible financial challenges someone will face depend on their own individual circumstances. However, more often than not Canadians can expect to tackle the following financial barriers.

Unable to maintain or return to work: Canadians who have no contractual right to job security could lose their jobs while being treated for cancer or receiving care. Medical appointments can also impact someone’s ability to work.
Gaps in federal programs: Employment insurance sickness benefits can provide cancer patients with up to 26 weeks of financial assistance if they can’t work, receiving 55% of their earnings up to a maximum of $668 a week. However, this won’t last forever and not everyone qualifies.
Lack of private insurance: Some employees have no private insurance coverage. In a recent study, 20% to 30% per cent of Canadians rely solely on government benefit programs or have no coverage at all.
Travel expenses: Travelling to receive treatment or access services can be hugely expensive, especially for Canadians living rurally.
Childcare and housekeeping: Parents with cancer may struggle to look after their children or keep the house running smoothly, especially if they are a single parent.
Homecare: The growing need for homecare throughout a cancer diagnosis can greatly add to the out-of-pocket costs of dealing with the illness.

How to prepare for the cost of cancer treatment

It’s not a particularly pleasant thought, but it’s important to start planning and preparing for the cost of cancer treatment. Unfortunately for Canadians, the out-of-pocket costs of cancer are high, so you need to ensure you can handle the financial burden.

Consider critical illness insurance

Health insurance helps you pay for medical care in Canada. Depending on your health plan and the territory you live in, as well as whether you have a workplace or personal healthcare plan, you’ll receive cover for most of your healthcare needs. However, there may be some services your healthcare plan doesn’t cover.

Where additional health insurance is required, critical illness insurance covers a one-time lump-sum payment if you’re diagnosed with cancer. The amount of coverage you choose will determine the benefits you receive as a cancer patient, which is normally paid for by your insurance company after your diagnosis.

Insurance companies differ in how they define critical illness, so it’s important to read the terms and conditions before you choose a health insurance supplier and make sure you do your research.

Consider childcare costs and other expenses

There may be a chance that your childcare costs will increase if you’re not feeling well or recovering from surgery. If you have the flexibility, see if you can find a friend, community member, or relative willing and able to help out for free as soon as possible.

Also, consider any other new costs that may come up in the future. For instance, pulling things over someone’s head after surgery may hurt, so you might want to invest in a few staple pieces of clothing to make their healing process more comfortable post-surgery.

Take into account lost wages from time off work

Consider how much time you’ll have to take off work for treatment and speak to your HR department about how much you need to work to keep your health insurance coverage. Learn how to protect yourself in your workplace—have conversations and ask clarifying questions about your benefits beyond insurance with your HR department, including short- or long-term disability.

To provide an idea of what you could expect, a study found that newly diagnosed cancer patients reduced their labour participation by 36% ($4,518), and caregivers lost 23% of their workable hours ($2,887).

Pay attention to cancer drug costs and rules

It’s important to be aware that numerous rules affiliated with cancer medicines can result in large bills that patients must cover. In the Canadian healthcare system, drug spending has accounted for an increasingly large proportion of expenditures and is growing faster than any other component of healthcare.

As a result, Canada’s drug prices are now the third highest among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, which can impact how accessible some medications are to Canadians. The cost of medication can also be determined by the province and territory you live in.

How to get financial help for cancer treatment

If you have questions about financial assistance programs or state benefits for cancer patients, speak with your doctor or hospital social worker—the hospital business office should have helpful information and additional relief resources.

To access financial help, there are several routes you can explore. Here are some of the options available to you.

Government assistance

Many national and state programs provide free government grants for cancer patients. Each program has unique eligibility requirements you must meet to gain access to any state benefits.

The Canadian Cancer Society is an excellent source of information on financial help for Canadians diagnosed with cancer.

Patient assistance programs

Offering financial support to Canadians, patient assistance programs help patients who need timely access to medications and want to receive quality care throughout their treatment journey. Services often differ under patient assistance programs, but some may include:

Reimbursement support
Drug administration
Pharmacy services
Ongoing financial support (such as insurance renewals)

Make sure you research each program to see what they can offer. Some of the leading programs in Canada are run by:

Financial help from nonprofits for cancer patients

With the cost of cancer climbing, several nonprofit organisations that help cancer patients financially now exist. Note that some groups may only provide financial aid for cancer patients battling a specific type, and each organisation has unique eligibility requirements.

You can call or email any of the following for more information:

Crowdfunding to support cancer patients

When you’re fighting cancer, it helps to have a robust support system around you. If your friends and family are looking for ways they can support you, consider crowdfunding. Many excellent organisations help cancer patients financially by providing an easy way to start an online fundraiser.

A fundraiser is a great opportunity to ask your community to donate to help you in your fight to get healthy. It creates a space for friends and family to stay connected and leave words of encouragement, and it’s a great way to provide help for cancer patients to pay bills.

Your fundraiser will also be a space to post text, photos, videos, or even blog updates to let loved ones know how your treatment is going. Share the fundraiser on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media to spread the word.

Starting or managing your fundraiser on GoFundMe is free. However, there is one small transaction fee per donation that covers all your fundraising needs. Everything else goes directly to your cause because that’s what matters most.

Not sure where to start in organising your fundraiser? Check out our awesome fundraising ideas or look at these fundraisers for inspiration.

Support Aaron GODSON Hernandez’s Battle w. Cancer

Friends of the Hernandez family started a fundraiser to get financial support for Aaron Hernandez and his family as he battles a rare form of cancer. Aaron has Anaplastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of lymphoma now in stage 4. He started chemotherapy at the Cross Cancer in Edmonton on January 26, 2024.

All donations go towards costs associated with their stay in Edmonton, bills, and supporting their family.

Let’s Support Tim Through His Cancer Journey

Tim was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in January 2024. His close friends created a fundraiser using GoFundMe to make sure Tim and his partner Amy don’t have to worry about anything as they go through this journey.

Funds will help them live their lives, pay bills, and have some much-needed joy as Tim undergoes treatment.

Help Andrena with Cancer Treatment in Seattle

When Andrena was first diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer she was offered palliative care by her oncologist in Canada. Andrena found this to be counterintuitive, so she decided to pursue alternative treatment. Since then Andrena has explored several alternative cancer treatment modalities and works with a Chinese medicine doctor, two naturopaths, and her oncologist.

The treatment with her doctor will cost an estimated US$50,000, so this fundraiser is intended to offset the cost of treatment and living expenses.

Get financial help for cancer patients

Whether you pursue patient assistant programs or government grants for cancer patients, there are numerous ways to get financial and emotional support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when it comes to healthcare.

Every day, people battling cancer and their loved ones raise funds for treatment on GoFundMe.

We’ve made it easy to start a fundraiser, so you can get the financial help your loved one needs. We’ll be here to support you every step of the way.