The Hidden Cost of Breast Cancer

The high financial cost of having breast cancer is highlighted by Macmillan Cancer Relief today. The charity is alarmed that those with breast cancer are bearing a heavy financial burden and may find themselves in debt.

Many cancer patients claim that money worries are second only to pain as a cause of stress and some even say financial concerns are greater(¹). A breast cancer diagnosis can be devastating enough but the worry over money problems can add to a patient's anxiety. Over 41,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK.(²)

The high extra costs of breast cancer can mean patients spend way above their normal levels. Patients may also see income levels drop whilst they go through their illness ? adding to their worries. Examples of extra costs for breast cancer patients include:

Prescription charges for hormone medication eg tamoxifen for five years
Prescription charges for pain relief or depression medication
A wig
Special bras
New clothing
Special foods/diet
Lymphodema management ( a possible side effect of treatment)
Extra heating and washing bills
New bedding, towels, sheets
Travel & parking at hospital

A recent Macmillan report found that cancer patients in focus groups spent an average of £380 on travel alone to and from hospital throughout the course of their treatment.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Macmillan will raise awareness of the huge extra costs incurred by a cancer diagnosis and urge breast cancer patients to call the Better Deal campaign line free on 0800 500 800 or log on to www.macmillan.org.uk/abetterdeal to get information about the financial help that is available.

Breast cancer patient Lyndsay, says, "I was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago and didn't realise how expensive it was going to be. At the time I was a mature student and faced with the extra costs of having breast cancer, I couldn't afford to rent my flat any longer so I had to move. I certainly hadn't expected breast cancer to be so expensive."

Peter Cardy, Chief Executive, Macmillan Cancer Relief, says, "It is appalling that women affected by breast cancer are faced with the unacceptable stress and worry of money problems when they are most vulnerable. Having breast cancer can be a very stressful experience and money worries should be the last thing on your mind."

For more  information, please call Nicola Ryan, Macmillan Cancer Relief on email nryan@macmillan.org.uk

References

¹ Macmillan Cancer Report

² Cancer Research UK ? www.cancer.org.uk

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

POTENTIAL EXTRA COSTS

SICKNESS
Bedding, clothing, towels, cleaning carpets, nightwear, mouth washes, washing machine, dryer, prescriptions, special foods

HAIR LOSS
Wig, hats, scarves, turbans, bedding, (especially pillow-cases) clothing, skin-care, hairdresser, make-up, additional washing of clothes/bedding, baths

FEELING COLD
Heating, bedding, clothing, electric blanket, heater, thermal underwear, baths, towels, high calorie foods

FEELING HOT/NIGHT SWEATS
Fan, baths, towels, cold drinks/icecream, lighter clothing and bedding

WEIGHT LOSS /WEIGHT GAIN
Clothing, supplement drinks, special foods, mobility problems, mattress, cushions

LYMPHOEDEMA 
Affects 10% of women who have had surgery or radiotherapy. It is caused when lymph glands under the arm are removed, resulting in a
build-up of fluid, which in turn causes an uncomfortable or painful swelling of the arm.   IT DOES NOT GO AWAY.

Skin care, moisturising creams (daily treatment) anti fungal products to avoid infection, prescription charges, clothing with wider sleeves to cope with swelling of arm, home care, bandages, massage, lymph drainage

RISK OF INFECTION
Taxis (avoiding public transport), higher prices at local shops (avoiding supermarkets) supplements to boost immune system

PAIN
Prescription charges, hot water bottles, comfortable chair/mattress

SORE MOUTH ULCERS
Mouth washes, food supplements, prescription charges.

TIREDNESS/FATIGUE
Comfortable chair, comfortable mattress, extra bedding, baths, towels.

BODY IMAGE
Wig, reconstruction, prosthetics, mastectomy wear, bras

DEPRESSION
No single solution.  Help may take the form of: psychological, financial, social support, medication

INCONTINENCE /DIARRHOEA
Bedding, towels, clothing, additional baths, underwear, washing machine/dryer

(14/9/05)