Financial Toxicity of Cancer Treatment: A Hidden Side Effect

Written by Karen Selby, RN • Edited By Walter Pacheco

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Feeding into this growing phenomenon is the fact that out-of-pocket insurance costs continue to rise for the more than 1.9 million Americans projected to receive a cancer diagnosis this year. 

Cancer is one of the most expensive conditions to treat in the U.S. and is also the second-leading cause of death in the country. The American Association for Cancer Research estimates that the annual cost of cancer is expected to reach almost $246 billion by 2030, up 34% from 2015. 

Understanding cancer-related terminology such as financial toxicity enables cancer patient and their loved ones to better comprehend and plan for the overwhelming realities of a cancer diagnosis. Here we will offer a deeper understanding of financial toxicity and its impact on cancer patients and their families.

What Is Financial Toxicity?

Financial toxicity is loosely defined by the National Cancer Institute as “problems a patient has related to the cost of medical care.” These concerns often stem from an accumulation of out-of-pocket costs, which are the patient’s financial responsibility for any medical expenses not covered by their health insurance.

These economic burdens may be caused by a lack of health insurance or having expensive medical bills not covered by insurance. Struggles with these financial problems often lead cancer patients into debt, out of retirement or even directly to bankruptcy. 

A patient’s quality of life and access to medical care may suffer due to financial toxicity. To save money, some patients opt to not take costly prescription medicine, avoid going to the doctor or cancel planned procedures such as radiation or surgery.

Financial Toxicity by the Numbers

Cancer patients are more likely to experience financial toxicity than people who don’t have cancer due to the higher out-of-pocket spending required for the chronic illness. According to some survivors, their medical care expenses totaled more than 20% of their annual income.

Heavy Financial Costs of Cancer

It’s easy to see how expensive cancer treatments and insurance red tape can lead to debt and frustration for many patients. One recent report stated that in 2019, U.S. cancer patients paid an estimated $16.2 billion in out-of-pocket cancer care costs and accumulated nearly $5 billion in lost work hours. A survey from The Mesothelioma Center revealed that nearly 20% of cancer patients spent more than $20,000 each year in total out-of-pocket costs.

Risk Factors for Financial Toxicity

Health Impact of Financial Toxicity

Just as chemotherapy drugs are more toxic to some patients than others, the potential financial toxicity from cancer treatment costs depends on each individual’s personal financial situation. Patients impacted by financial toxicity are more likely to make poor health care decisions, bringing about greater risk for less positive health outcomes.

Financially distressed patients often make the risky choice to take medications less often or in lower doses than directed in order to make each prescription last longer. Some patients even skip checkups, follow-up tests or treatment appointments to save money. Those who don’t take their medications or miss treatments are more likely to require hospitalization at a later point. 

Budget concerns cause patients so much stress that some have acknowledged they worry more about paying for cancer treatments than the disease itself.

The combination of increased stress and reduced treatments and medication can have an impact on a patient’s well-being.

However, there are many organizations, such as The Mesothelioma Center, that can help find financial resources and legal options for patients and their loved ones.

Why Is Financial Toxicity Getting Worse?

Over the past two decades, the cost of cancer treatment has drastically risen, leading to an epidemic of financial toxicity. While scientific advancements have led to more treatment and medication options, the costs of accessing them have become a significant barrier for patients. One report found that the current annual average price of new cancer medications ranged from $90,000 to $300,000 each.

At the same time, health insurers have been looking for ways to shift more medical costs to patients. Consumers unfamiliar with the jargon of health insurance often don’t realize when a reduction in their coverage occurs.

The reasons for these ongoing insurance increases are varied. They range from the increasing number of Americans 65 years of age or older, evolving changes in disease incidence and pricing increases for services provided.

Strategies for Ending Financial Toxicity

Finding ways to decrease or even eliminate financial toxicity requires strategies from individual patients, doctors and entire hospital and pharmaceutical systems.

The mental and physical stress brought on by financial toxicity can be debilitating for some patients. But help is available. As your treatment plan evolves, be sure to advocate for yourself and push to obtain the information you need to make a fully informed decision about your care. By taking some control over your medical bills, you’ll have a greater likelihood of reducing the impact of financial toxicity on your life.