Cancer patients have savings wiped out by health bills
Research by the National Cancer Registry has shown that one out of every 10 cancer patients across the country have sought bank loans to pay for their healthcare.
The postal survey of 740 cancer patients has also indicated that nearly a third of respondents believe their household income has suffered significantly as a direct result of their cancer diagnosis.
Up to 85% of cancer patients who are in employment take time off work when ill with cancer.
However, despite the impact on their health and employment, just half of this number are paid sick pay by their employer, according to the research, with 30% of respondents confirming that their household income suffered because of their illness.
One of the two authors of the report, Dr Linda Sharp, said that information on grants and tax relief is scattered and access to medical cards or even grant relief for wigs can vary by HSE area.
“Take wigs for example; we hear from people that access to funding varies hugely across the country and even within the same HSE area, the amount paid out can vary depending on the time of the year.
“Access to medical cards can depend on area to area but is entirely discretionary. Two people can have the same income but if they are in different HSE areas, they mightn’t both get the same response when they seek a card,” Dr Sharp said.
The survey findings are based on a total of 740 questionnaire responses from people living with a cancer diagnosis which took place between June and October last year.
These patients have been treated at 17 hospitals across Ireland.
* €250 — the average spent on GP bills.
* €465 — the average spent on consultant fees.
* €320 — the average spent on physiotherapy.
* €400 — the average spent on wigs due to hair loss.
