I cannot for a moment imagine what sort of toll the experience of breast cancer has on a person. That’s not just because I am a man (although around 1 per cent of breast cancer diagnoses are in men). It’s largely due to the fact that no one close to me has been unfortunate enough to contract breast cancer.
One of my friends did contract breast cancer several years ago, and I did meet up with her several times during her journey. However, our conversations generally centred around how that journey was affecting her young son, who I knew well. My friend was fortunate enough to recover, although a mastectomy was required.
Even from my rather distant standpoint, I could see that the emotional cost of the experience was high. As for the cost of breast cancer in terms of dollars, I had absolutely no idea.
Now, new data published by Compare Club shines a light on those costs, many of which it describes as ‘hidden’.
The unexpected costs of breast cancer
Compare Club found 27 per cent of breast cancer patients faced treatment and hidden costs totalling between $30,000 and $50,000. These included home care and mental health, along with a higher-than-expected financial cost of treatment and recovery. Such costs were exacerbated by a drop in income due to an inability to work.
Kate Browne, Compare Club’s Head of Research said, “Cancer treatment isn’t just a medical journey; it’s a financial marathon. With treatments lasting up to a year and mental health support costing $311 per session, survivors face a ‘double whammy’ of income loss and ongoing expenses.”
Ms Browne speaks not only with the knowledge gleaned from Compare Club’s survey, but her own experience. She herself is a breast cancer survivor. Many of her own challenges matched those revealed in the research.
“Our survey shows that even after recovery, many struggle to return to work due to fatigue and lingering health challenges. This financial impact isn’t a quick fix – it’s a long-term hurdle for many breast cancer survivors,” she said.
One particularly startling revelation found in the research was the cost of breast cancer in relationship terms. It found 12.35 per cent of women with breast cancer experienced divorce or separation as a result of their diagnoses. That is 10 times Australia’s overall divorce rate. Another 8 per cent of respondents said their relationships were under strain because of the diagnosis and treatment.
While the emotional cost of those relationship strains is difficult to measure, the financial cost of any resultant separation isn’t. University of Melbourne research indicates separation can reduce a woman’s disposable household income by 30 per cent. (This compares to 5 per cent reduction for men.)
That’s a significant cost for anyone, regardless of whether they have breast cancer.
Being prepared
Compare Club has put together a Breast Cancer Financial Wellness Kit. Aimed at those who have recently been diagnosed, it can also serve as a useful document for others. This includes those who may not have been diagnosed but may be at some future stage, and those close to someone who has been diagnosed.
The guide includes a checklist of potential hidden cost, questions to ask health and life insurance providers and tips on where to access government and not for profit assistance for cancer patients and survivors.
“We hope this kit will empower Australians to be better prepared financially, should they or a loved one face a breast cancer diagnosis,” said Ms Browne. “Being realistic about the financial and emotional potential costs can make a significant difference in navigating this challenging journey.”
You can access the Breast Cancer Cost Kit at compareclub.com.au.
Have you or someone close to you been diagnosed with breast cancer? What unexpected costs were you confronted with? Let us know via the comments section below.
Also read: Cancer rates in Australia are the world’s worst
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