The high cost of cancer treatment is no joke. The annual cost of treating cancer is around $150 billion, four times higher than treatment for other common health issues. Furthermore, 63 percent of cancer patients are struggling with financial issues shortly after receiving their cancer diagnosis. Those with incurable conditions like cancer of the lungs or pancreas are even more affected by the high cost of treatment, with some treatments costing more than $150,000 for a lifetime.
Out-of-pocket costs
Among the greatest worries for cancer patients is the cost of cancer treatment. While this should not be on a person’s top list of worries, it is a reality for many. The rising costs of cancer treatment are reducing the effectiveness of treatment and, therefore, contributing to poorer cancer outcomes. But are these out-of-pocket costs justified? How can cancer patients better manage the costs? And how can they find ways to pay for cancer treatment that won’t cost them a fortune?
The cost of cancer drugs is another significant component of the cost of cancer care. Cancer drug prices are rising at twice the rate of other health care costs, and many patients cannot afford them. Meanwhile, the availability of community-based cancer clinics is decreasing. As many private practices move to hospitals, many cancer patients face higher out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, hospitals typically charge more for their services. Therefore, patients with high deductibles may need to take steps to reduce their costs.
Co-pays
If you’re a cancer patient, you may be concerned about the co-pays associated with cancer treatments. These out-of-pocket expenses can quickly add up, particularly if your plan has a high deductible. While your health plan may have a co-pay policy, you should always check with your insurance company and the treatment center to see what they cover. Many cancer patients have trouble meeting their deductible before their cancer treatment begins, and co-pays and co-insurance can add up quickly.
When planning a budget, you should consider the costs associated with cancer treatment. Make sure to discuss these costs with your care team and your insurance company. Some hospitals have nurse navigators, patient financial counselors, and social workers on staff to help patients. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the financial burden, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Time spent in treatment
The costs of cancer care include the financial burden of sickening and dying from the disease, out-of-pocket expenses, and time spent in medical care. These costs are often estimated by multiplying the number of hours spent in health care by the hourly wage of an adult, or median wage. These costs are considerable, and they may place an additional financial burden on patients, their families, and society. In addition to the cost of treatment, time lost to cancer is also a significant social and economic burden for survivors.
As cancer rates are rising worldwide, healthcare providers are implementing stricter safety practices. Cancer treatment plans have also been revised and shortened to cut the amount of time spent at cancer facilities. For example, medical appointments have been spread out to limit close contact, and more appointments can be conducted over the phone or online. Hospital stays have also been shortened, and fewer in-person visits are required for radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In addition, patients are able to resume activities such as working or playing.
Drug costs
Pharmaceutical companies routinely justify the sky-high prices of cancer drugs. While there are some new drugs that provide important new clinical benefits, many have very few such advantages. Because cancer drugs must be taken multiple times a year and require imaging and other costly tests, their prices can add up quickly. Some cancer patients may have to pay nearly $12,000 a year out of pocket for these treatments, which is shocking considering the high quality of care they receive.
The high cost of cancer drugs has a significant impact on the quality of care and financial well-being of cancer patients. According to a recent study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, more than one-quarter of cancer patients postpone or cut down their prescriptions because of cost. This cost-cutting can result in underdosing, ineffective side effects management, or a premature death.
Time spent at home
While you will most likely spend time in the hospital or clinic for your cancer treatment, some treatments may be administered from home. Ask your cancer care team about these options. Some people find home treatments more convenient, more comfortable, and less expensive. Getting your treatments at home will also save you the inconvenience of commuting, which can add up during a cancer treatment. This article will discuss some of the advantages of home treatment and how to get the best results from your treatment.
In one study, women with MBC reported spending 1.4 to 3.1 days traveling to and from the clinic. In contrast, they spent an average of 66 minutes a week performing activities outside of the clinic. For comparison, they missed about 10 hours of work a week. That difference reflects how much time you spend on your treatment. Despite these differences, many oncologists might be surprised that you have to spend so much time at home while receiving cancer treatment.