The Financial Burden of Cancer: Costs of Treatment and Resources
By Theertha Prasath
This article looks at how cancer can affect patients financially, exploring why this occurs, real stories, and how to lower the chances of facing this problem.
Cancer can be an incredibly difficult battle—physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, for some patients, there is an additional stressor involved: money. After several new ways of treatment in the past few decades, the cost of cancer has become the second most expensive disease in the United States, with about 75% of cancer patients concerned with the cost of their treatment.
Why do People Face Financial Problems?
Although health coverage can take care of some costs, it usually isn’t sufficient for both treatment and daily costs. With treatment prices increasing gradually, along with additional costs such as travel, home care, and supplies, many families have trouble keeping up with the bill. Additionally, factors such as employment or family can play an important role. If the patient was the one providing income for themselves or their family before cancer, they may struggle to cover their treatment costs now. Furthermore, if they are uninsured or in debt, they may also face issues with cost.
Real Life Stories
In 2015, a woman named Melissa Taylor was diagnosed with breast cancer. She lost her job, leading her and her two kids to move from their dream home into an RV. Although insurance covered some of the treatment, co-pays and other unexpected costs caused her medical debt to increase dramatically. At one point, she was denied the surgery that she needed to survive and had to borrow her mother’s money.
In Missouri, a man named Kris Walker found out his lung cancer was terminal. However, his insurance didn’t cover a majority of his expenses. To see a specialist, which was who cancer patients mostly had to see, there was a $250 deductible fee. Over time, Kris found it incredibly difficult to pay his bills and has been asking friends and family for financial help.
How to Lower the Chances of Financial Burden
Before treatment, it is essential for cancer patients to not only find out how much their treatment costs (including how much would have to be spent out of pocket), but also ensure that their health insurance is up to date. There are also various other services, such as nonprofits or GoFundMes, that could ease the financial burden of cancer.
Works Cited
American Cancer Society. “The Costs of Cancer for People with Limited Incomes.” American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, 19 October 2022, https://www.fightcancer.org/policy-resources/costs-cancer-people-limited-incomes-0. Accessed 31 August 2025.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team. “Financial Hardship | Cost of Cancer.” American Cancer Society, 30 September 2023, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/financial-insurance-matters/managing-costs/financial-hardship.html. Accessed 31 August 2025.
MCA Admin. “The Financial Burden of Cancer.” Minnesota Cancer Alliance, 6 October 2018, https://mncanceralliance.org/the-financial-burden-of-cancer/. Accessed 31 August 2025.