Studies to reveal hidden costs for cancer patients

FOR the first time in Ireland, the hidden financial costs of being a cancer patient will be scrutinised in two large-scale studies.

Research in Britain by Macmillan Cancer Relief found one-in-17 people lose their home after being diagnosed with cancer and one-in-six have trouble keeping up with their mortgage or rental payments.

Assessment of cancer’s economic impact on patients in Ireland is limited.

The studies — entitled the Financial Implications of Breast, Lung and Prostrate Cancer on Patients and the Economic Impact of (colorectal) Cancer in Ireland — will involve several hundred patients. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) will undertake the research.

The breast, lung and prostate study could take 18 months.

Interviews with a small number of patients will form the basis of a questionnaire for use in a comprehensive study. The colorectal study will look at that cancer’s cost to the family and the HSE.

NCRI epidemiologist Linda Sharp said patients “probably faced quite a lot of additional expenses” as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

“They have the cost of travel to appointments and the probability of higher heating bills, additional clothing expenses or possibly the cost of long-term medical appliances as a result of their illness. Research in Britain shows people have had to take out loans or dip into their savings to pay these additional expenses, or in some cases, haven’t got their prescriptions filled. We also want to look at the cost of cancer on a patient’s working life and on the working life of the carer.”

The British research found the most widespread cost facing cancer patients is travel to and parking at hospital. On average patients incurring these costs made 53 trips, costing £325 (€476), over the course of treatment. The study found 90% of cancer patients’ households suffer loss of income (often due to reduced working hours or giving up work) and/or increased costs as a direct result of cancer.

The NCRI is seeking patients who have incurred additional costs to take part in its studies.

To take part in the breast, lung or prostate cancer study contact Aileen Timmons at the NCRI on [phone]. To take part in the colorectal study contact Alan O’Ceilleachair at the NCRI.