CCS urging Premiers to cut red tape, bring care closer to home and give caregivers the credit they deserve
TORONTO, ON –
As the nation’s Premiers gather in Toronto for the 2024 Fall Meeting of the Council of the Federation, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is calling on leaders to take meaningful action to ease the tremendous financial burden of cancer on patients and their loved ones. Specifically, CCS is urging action in four areas: cutting red tape, bringing care closer to home, giving caregivers the credit they deserve and eliminating fees.
Across Canada, cancer patients and their families face staggering financial challenges. A new report from the Canadian Cancer Society reveals that the average cancer patient in Canada faces nearly $33,000 in out-of-pocket costs over their lifetime. In 2024 alone, people with cancer and their caregivers will shoulder 20 per cent of Canada’s total cancer costs, amounting to $7.5 billion. These figures are projected to rise to $8.8 billion annually over the next decade, driven by inflation and the growing number of people diagnosed with cancer in Canada.
The financial toll of cancer is not felt equally. For those living in rural or remote areas, travel and accommodation expenses often add to the stress of treatment. Low-income families face difficult trade-offs, like delaying or forgoing treatment to manage other essential costs. For caregivers, the unpaid labour they provide – though critical to cancer care – often comes at a great personal cost, with little recognition or financial relief.
“Every day, families are making impossible choices,” explains Kelly Masotti, Vice President of Advocacy at the Canadian Cancer Society. “Imagine having to decide between filling your prescription or putting food on the table, between working full time to keep your household budget balanced or providing unpaid care for a loved one. No one should have to navigate these decisions.”
The Canadian Cancer Society is calling for immediate action in four key areas:
Cutting the red tape: Each day that cancer treatment is delayed or stalled because of administrative paperwork is a day that patients and their families can’t afford. Because of Canada’s patchwork system for take-home oral cancer medications, many are stuck navigating red tape and applications for financial assistance, or they take on the full out-of-pocket costs for drugs that they require - but simply cannot afford. People in Canada should have equitable access to the cancer drugs they require without financial hardship, regardless of where they live and where the drugs are taken.
Bring care closer to home: We know cancer can affect anyone but it doesn't affect everyone equally. There are deep disparities in cancer risk, care and costs that can impact a person's cancer treatment, outcomes and overall experience. This is especially true for patients in rural and underserved communities who often face longer wait times, higher travel costs, and fewer local health resources. Equitable investments in our healthcare workforce and infrastructure will ensure that everyone will have access to critical cancer screening and treatment options closer to home.
Give caregivers the credit they deserve: Caregivers are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing over $26 billion in unpaid care and labour each year across Canada. Yet, they are often overlooked, overworked, and receive little support. Supporting caregivers through investments, like refundable tax credits, is essential in acknowledging the role they play in healthcare and helps offset the financial and personal costs they take on.
Eliminate fees: The financial burden of cancer is already overwhelming, with patients taking on costs not covered by our health systems or private insurance. Out-of-pocket expenses related to travel and parking for treatment, medical supplies like ostomy products, and oncofertility supports all add up for patients and their families, many of who are living on highly reduced or – in some cases – no incomes at all while accessing treatment. Eliminating these fees will allow patients to focus on their health, not their bills.
“Patients and caregivers shouldn’t have to fight a system that’s meant to support them,” adds Masotti. “We need to make meaningful changes that reduce the financial and emotional costs of cancer and improve equity of care across the country.”
Take action today
CCS is calling on everyone in Canada to demand change. Sign our petition at cancer.ca/costofcancer and join the movement to make cancer care more accessible and equitable. For those currently facing financial hardship, CCS offers resources such as transportation assistance, free wigs and prosthetics, and lodging support. Visit cancer.ca to learn more.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society.
Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.
For more information, please contact:
Victoria Young
Communications Coordinator
416-572-4252
victoria.young@cancer.ca