The financial burden of breast cancer survival: A hidden cost for survivors
Breast cancer survivors face a significant and persistent financial challenge, even after treatment ends. A recent study by the University of Queensland reveals the long-term economic impact of surviving breast cancer, highlighting the ongoing out-of-pocket costs for survivors.
Dr. Aarushi Dhingra, the lead researcher, sheds light on the financial repercussions of a breast cancer diagnosis. "While more people are surviving breast cancer, many face a substantial long-term financial burden,"
Dr. Dhingra explains. "During treatment, pharmaceutical costs can be substantial, with hormone therapy and pain management medications contributing to long-term expenses."
The study analyzed data from nearly 500 breast cancer survivors in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health. Researchers estimated both short and long-term out-of-pocket expenses, focusing on non-hospital services and prescription medication. Despite Medicare coverage, survivors still face significant costs. "Even with Medicare, out-of-pocket costs average around $250 in the month of diagnosis and $2,000 in the year of diagnosis,"
Dr. Dhingra notes. "This equates to around 5% of the average monthly pay for women in Australia, and even more for part-time workers."
The research reveals that healthcare costs begin to escalate about a month before diagnosis and can remain high for the first six months of treatment. "Non-hospital medical services like GP visits, specialist consultations, and diagnostic tests can be an immediate cost burden,"
Dr. Dhingra explains. "Additionally, ongoing out-of-pocket expenses, such as gaps between Medicare rebates and provider fees, co-payments for medication, and allied health services, contribute to the financial strain."
Health economist Professor Brenda Gannon emphasizes the study's significance: "Understanding the financial impact on survivors is crucial, especially with our aging population and the increasing prevalence of age-related diseases."
The findings could guide policymakers in addressing specific cost drivers and tailoring interventions to support breast cancer survivors. The study was co-authored by Associate Professor Terence Cheng from Monash University and UQ's Professors Luke Connelly and Gita Mishra. Dr. Dhingra, now a Research Fellow at the University of Bologna, Italy, published the research in the European Journal of Health Economics.
