On the occasion of World Cancer Day, February 4, we learn that the vast majority of Canadians believe that a diagnosis of the disease would have an impact on their financial situation. Some people think they would even have to go into debt to cover the costs, reveals a new pan-Canadian survey carried out for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).
The study results show that 90% of Canadians believe a sudden cancer diagnosis would impact their household finances, with 30% saying they would have to go into debt to pay for the costs.
The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that an average of 655 people per day will be diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
“It shows the importance of implementing public policies or better supporting people with cancer,” commented in an interview David Raynaud, senior manager of Quebec for the Defense of the public interest team of the CSC.
The Angus Reid Institute study commissioned by the CCS, in which 2,624 Canadians participated, has a margin of error of 1.9%, 19 times out of 20.
The results showed that half of the Canadian population does not know or do not fully understand the extent of out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment.
The majority of Canadians know that cancer treatment involves out-of-pocket costs, however 51% are unaware that there will be out-of-pocket costs and they are not aware of the full extent.
There is a range of little-known costs such as travel, accommodation, childcare, creams, medications and various materials depending on the type of cancer, for example for breast cancer the purchase of a bra post-mastectomy or breast prostheses.
Sacrifice your medication to pay your rent
Vanessa Percoco, 33, who was faced with a diagnosis of advanced colorectal cancer in 2022, didn’t think about all the costs attached to her treatments when she learned she had cancer that was spread on his stomach, in his abdomen, on his peritoneum and all over his colon. Doctors had to insert a bag after an ostomy to save his life.
This ordeal was difficult for Mme Percoco. She had 12 fairly intensive chemotherapy treatments to fight her cancer. “With all this, I had to stop working, doing substitute work and going to school. My life was completely stopped. Because deep down, I had to save my skin, I had to stay alive. So it’s certain that there was no return to work,” she said.
She says accepting her “new body with braces” was a big challenge. For a year and a half, Mme Percoco carried a bag connected to her intestine that she had to change every four days. For each change, she had to spend around fifty dollars.
She specified that the least expensive bag is reimbursed by the Régie de l’assurance santé du Québec (RAMQ), but that depending on her medical needs, in particular the fact that she underwent an ileostomy which starts from the small small intestine, and To have better comfort, she opted for a better quality bag, but more expensive, only part of which is refundable.
“We shouldn’t be charged for that,” said M.me Percoco, who wants more help for people who have had an ostomy. We get a check, of course, but it doesn’t cover everything we spend. »
Mme Percoco estimates that she spent at least $3,000 out of pocket on medications in 2023, not counting her numerous travel expenses as well as odor-eliminating creams and sprays for her ostomy bags.
Mme Percoco considers herself lucky because her family and friends supported her financially. Despite this, she was faced with difficult choices. She sometimes sacrificed the purchase of her medication to ensure the payment of her rent or to feed herself.
She’s not the only one. According to the Angus Reid Institute study, 70% of respondents say they would have difficulty paying their rent if they were diagnosed with cancer.
Two-thirds of Canadians say the financial burden of cancer care would have a significant impact on their mental health and stress levels.
“It’s a disease that comes with a lot of stress. Already the diagnosis, then there are treatments which can be difficult. As a society, we should act so that on top of that there is not a financial burden,” said Mr. Raynaud.
Job-related fears
According to the study, 22% of Quebecers are simply not aware that they will have to pay out of pocket following a diagnosis, which is much higher than in other regions of Canada (14% on average).
Mr. Raynaud suggests that the RAMQ could play a role in this perception since the Quebec drug coverage system is the one that covers the most different drugs across the country.
Regarding time off at work, the study reveals that one in four people do not have confidence in the security of their job if they have to take time off to undergo treatment. Even one in three Canadian workers fear losing their job if they choose to undergo cancer treatment.
“In Quebec, we are the province that has the best job protection law in Canada. When you are in Quebec, you have 26 weeks of job protection guaranteed by law, and even after these 26 weeks, your employer cannot just fire you for medical reasons, they must accommodate you,” said Mr. Raynaud.
He indicated that in other provinces job protection can cover as little as three days of absence depending on conditions.
The vast majority of Canadians surveyed believe there should be systems in place to help pay for the costs of cancer care and treatment. When asked who should provide this support, the government is the most common answer (57%), followed by insurance companies (20%).
“However, the general feeling is that the government is not performing well enough to address these challenges,” the study said.
The Canadian Cancer Society has set up a toll-free cancer information and helpline at 1-888-939-3333.
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