Real cost of cancer sees patients lose out on €16k

Many cancer patients lose over €16,000 income a year while undergoing treatment as their families also face a financial crisis.

A large number of patients experience a severe income drop while, at the same time, running up extra bills on the likes of medical and child care and hospital parking.

The average extra spend per month among cancer patients surveyed, even those with a medical card or private health insurance, was €862 while those who cannot work, work less, or lose income as a result of having cancer face an income drop averaging €1,400 a month, or €16,750 per year.