Work stoppages, care not reimbursed. Cancer treatment takes a heavy toll on patients’ budgets. In a survey released on Monday, the National Cancer League revealed that 6 out of ten cancer patients suffered loss of income. 2,153 people were questioned for this survey on “living conditions” and “the social and family consequences” of the disease. Participants responded anonymously and voluntarily.
In addition to managing their daily lives with the disease, patients are witnessing a decline in their income for many reasons. Patients must assume the unreimbursed costs for so-called “comfort” care. These are, for example, creams after radiotherapy or even sessions with psychologists.
Work stoppages are also involved. They are in fact not fully covered by mutual and health insurance. Sometimes patients lose their jobs outright, explains to AFP Agnès Lecas, delegate for Actions for the Sick at the National League against Cancer
This reduction in income represents a sum: a quarter of income, estimates half of respondents. To compensate for this shortfall, patients put on a financial diet. The food budget suffers.
Growing needs
The League gives a financial boost to some of these patients. It granted 6.2 million euros in aid in 2013. But this contribution is unable to meet the needs. Ever-increasing needs under the effect of the economic crisis and the increase in the number of patients.
