When people talk about cancer, it is often about the shock of the diagnosis, the treatments, the fatigue, or the emotional stress. They rarely think about the costs that accumulate throughout the care journey.
However, the financial burden of cancer can be enormous for cancer patients and their loved ones. A special 2024 report by the Canadian Cancer Society clearly explains this reality.
Figures that speak for themselves
Cancer cost Canadian society an estimated $37.7 billion in 2024. Most of this, $30.2 billion, was borne by the healthcare system to cover hospitalization, care and treatment. However, the remainder, approximately $7.5 billion, was assumed by individuals with cancer and their loved ones. This represents a significant financial onus for affected families.
According to the report, a cancer patient and their loved ones must assume nearly $33,000 in expenses related to the disease. This includes medication, transport and other expenses, often compounded by loss of income or time off work.
- Costs that are often not covered
Not all illness-related costs are covered by Canada’s universal healthcare system. For one thing, some medications are not fully reimbursed. In addition, the costs for transportation to healthcare centres, accommodation, meals, and home care must be assumed by the patient. These expenses can quickly add up and cause significant financial stress. - Time and travel
Treatments are not always available close to home. Some people have to travel for hours every week. This time spent on the road or in waiting rooms has financial, physical and psychological costs: fatigue, loss of income, absence from work. - Impact on employment
Cancer changes daily life. Many people have to reduce their working hours or take long-term leave. Some even have to stop working altogether. Income declines, but bills continue to pile up.
The report shows that the highest costs often occur in the first year after diagnosis, when treatments are most frequent. The report concludes by explaining that costs are expected to rise by a further 23 per cent by 2034.
Even greater inequalities
Not everyone experiences cancer in the same way. People with lower incomes or who live far from healthcare centres often face greater difficulties. In remote areas, transportation is often more expensive, services are scarcer, and there is less help available. These individuals often suffer the most financial stress.
The human stories behind the figures
There is a story behind every number. At the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, we meet people every day whose lives have been turned upside down by a diagnosis. They tell us about the difficult choices they have to make in order to pay their monthly bills.
These realities are often experienced in silence. We see families sticking together, loved ones exhausting themselves, people worrying about their health and finances. Behind the statistics are human stories that reflect great courage and resilience.
What the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is doing
At the Foundation, we want to end the silence surrounding the financial hardships associated with breast cancer. We raise public awareness of these realities and advocate for the needs of those affected.
We also offer financial support to ease the load and help people get through this period with peace of mind and dignity. Go here to learn more about our financial assistance program.
We also offer psychosocial support services to help people get through this period. Go here to learn more.
Help us to better help them
Reality caught up with us this year. For the first time in our history, we had to suspend the financial assistance program for three months because of budgetary constraints. During those 90 days, hundreds of people affected by the disease had their application for financial assistance denied.
That is why the year-end campaign seeks to raise $332,000 to cover the costs of applications that were not accepted in 2025.
Donating is not simply a generous gesture: it is a firm statement that no one in Quebec should have to impoverish themselves in order to receive medical care.
Source
- Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada & the Public Health Agency of Canada. (2024). Canadian Cancer Statistics : A 2024 special report on the economic impact of cancer in Canada (Publication No. 0835-2976). Toronto, ON : Canadian Cancer Society. Retrieved from https://cdn.cancer.ca/-/media/files/research/cancer-statistics/2024-statistics/2024-special-report/2024_pdf_fr.pdf?rev=8075b80b632e4a42bc20105ba101df4e&hash=6DD81EF7D5CAEC96AD30109633048149&_gl=1*1so1arj*_gcl_au*MTc5NTE0MDQ2OC4xNzYwNzI3MTky