Evaluating the impact of the Cancer Council NSW Pro Bono Program on cancer patients

Background

As a result of improving survival and decreasing mortality rates, more people are now living with a cancer diagnosis. It’s been estimated that up to 60% of people affected by cancer face additional distress from legal and financial challenges on top of their health concerns. These challenges often arise as a direct result of their cancer diagnosis, and they are unable to access services due to cost, illness or other barriers.

The results of these unmet needs are higher levels of stress and worry, financial burden and poorer wellbeing for the patient and their family. To address this, Cancer Council NSW established a National Pro Bono service, which includes legal assistance, financial planning, small business and workplace advisory services.

The research

• To evaluate the impact of this initiative, Cancer Council NSW spoke to 205 people affected by cancer who had used the service, and 270 professionals involved in the Pro Bono program.
• Most people sought assistance for financial advice, preparing a will, accessing their superannuation, issues with Centrelink, power of attorney and enduring guardianship documents. Around 80% of people who used the service said their problem had been resolved to their satisfaction.
• The type of problems that people reported varied across age groups. Younger people and those who were married or living with their partner reported more financial problems, whereas people aged over 50 and those who had advanced cancer reported more issues with estate planning.
• A total of 90% of professionals who offered their services indicated that they were able to clarify issues for clients most or all of the time, and 80% told us that issues were fully resolved for their clients.