Breast Cancer Survivors Suffer Financial Burden: Report

It’s a diagnosis that sparks worry for one’s health, and a new report suggests battling breast cancer also puts women’s financial futures at risk, as well.

According to a study released Thursday by the Canadian Breast Cancer Network, 80 per cent of respondents said they suffered financially, either by taking a pay cut, using up their retirement funds or losing their job as they battled the disease.

Much of the financial burden can be attributed to the fact Employment Insurance covers only 15 weeks of the 38-week treatment.

“This report provides a timely opportunity for government officials, employers and other service providers to gain valuable insights into how breast cancer patients use existing benefits and programs,” CBCN President Cathy Ammandolea said.

On average, patient households experienced a 10 per cent decrease in annual income and nearly half of the 446 respondents said they had to go into their savings and retirement funds to cover costs. Another 27 per cent took out loans.

Eighty-one per cent of respondents were in salaried jobs at the time of their diagnosis. Of those 16 per cent lost their jobs during treatment and 17 per cent were unable to return to their post with the same title and salary.

Twenty-one per cent returned to work earlier than anticipated because of the financial pinch.

CityNews reporter Cynthia Mulligan recently revealed she’s battling breast cancer and in her latest blog post noted she plans to look into the issue of the hidden costs associated with cancer treatments.

Cynthia Mulligan’s previous Kicking Cancer blog posts:

Kicking Cancer Starts Now

Part 2

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today