The financial burden of cancer, or so called financial toxicity, is increasingly recognised as an important issue for cancer patients and survivors, as well as their families with impact not only on quality of life but overall survival. While it is often assumed that the main reason for financial burden is high cost of unfunded cancer drugs, other costs, for example transport and private insurance co-payments are also significant concerns. In addition, inability to maintain employment at the pre-diagnosis level appears to be the major driver of financial burden. For patients who are already socioeconomically disadvantaged, the additional financial burden of cancer treatment, significantly amplifies their already vulnerable state.
There is a need for accurate measurement of financial burden of cancer, adequate disclosure of its risks and development of effective strategies to address them. This presentation will review existing data on the financial burden of cancer and propose recommendations for clinical practice and research to address this major concern.