New study shows people with cancer are paying more in out-of-pocket healthcare costs

Cancer is Australia’s third most costly health condition. However, until recently, there has been little research on the out-of-pocket costs for people living with cancer and how these costs compare to people without cancer.  

A new study from the Daffodil Centre, a joint venture between Cancer Council NSW and The University of Sydney, has shown out-of-pocket healthcare costs can be substantial, especially for those with cancer. 

The study included 45,061 participants aged 45 and up in NSW, with 7,961 of the participants having been diagnosed with cancer.  

This is the largest study of its type in Australia, including people with and without cancer, a wide range of other health and sociodemographic characteristics, an extensive range of cost types, and all cancer types. 

Australians living with cancer pay more in out-of-pocket healthcare costs 

The findings show that people diagnosed with cancer are paying significantly more in these out-of-pocket costs when compared to people without cancer, even accounting for age and other health and sociodemographic factors.  

More than half of the people diagnosed with cancer in the past two years paid more than $1000, with almost one in 10 paying costs higher than $10,000. 

“We know high out-of-pocket healthcare costs can increase financial strain, which raise equity concerns for people with limited financial resources,” explains David Goldsbury, Statistician in the Genomics and Precision Health Stream at the Daffodil Centre and lead author of the study. 

“Our findings highlight many concerning trends with cost-of-living pressures putting a strain on all Australians, especially people with cancer at such a vulnerable time.” 

How these costs are impacting Cancer Council services 

The high out-of-pocket costs for people diagnosed with cancer in the past two years have caused an increase in the demand for Cancer Council’s Financial Assistance program, which provides support to patients and carers with financial strain arising from a cancer diagnosis.  

In the 2023 Financial Year, Cancer Council’s Financial Assistance program saw a 29% rise in demand of people with cancer seeking support, which has continued into 2024. 

Michelle Bass, Manager of Client Experience at Cancer Council NSW explains, “the financial cost of cancer is significant, impacting both cancer patients and their carers who often have to face significant out-of-pocket expenses, and income loss from an inability to work. In both FY23 and FY24 we have had over 3000 requests for access to our financial support programs and expect this demand to continue.” 

What is being done to support people affected by cancer with financial strain 

If you or someone you know is facing financial stress because of out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment, call 13 11 20 Information and Support to get in touch with Cancer Council NSW’s healthcare professionals who are able to direct you to relevant financial assistance. 

Cancer Council NSW is continually advocating for cheaper and better access to care for people living with cancer. Recently, Cancer Council NSW celebrated the elimination of unfair out-of-pockets costs at the Riverina Cancer Care Centre, the culmination of years of advocacy work with Wagga Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr. In addition, Cancer Council NSW appeared before a Parliamentary inquiry to advocate for equal access and cost to cancer treatment in remote, regional, and rural areas of NSW.   

Now, more than ever, Australians affected by cancer are facing increasing distress due to both high out-of-pocket healthcare costs and cost-of-living pressures. It is time for governments to act and develop policy solutions to reduce the financial burden for people living with cancer.  

If you need to talk about cancer call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 or visit cancercouncil.com.au/get-support