Being diagnosed with cancer is undoubtedly one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, with the emotional and physical toll incredibly taxing.
But according to many patients, the strain on their finances and relationships are equally as tough. This was the case for Kate Browne. After being diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer five years ago, the mum of two could never have expected what would happen next.
“My tumour was discovered by accident during another medical scan. It was a massive shock, I had no family history, no symptoms and being in my forties, was considered too young to need regular mammograms.”
At the time, Kate was married with two daughters aged 8 and 11 and had recently accepted her dream job.
“While I was shocked the diagnosis, I felt really safe and supported knowing I was so lucky to have a loving partner and my family to care for and support me as I went through treatment and that financially we would be OK.”
Although unfortunately, things didn’t play out as she had predicted. Around 18 months after her diagnosis, she found herself separated from her husband, living alone in a rental apartment, supporting herself financially and preparing to have two more surgeries on her shoulders for a painful condition that had been triggered by her treatment.
“A cancer diagnosis can be like dropping a bomb into your life and there is a real ripple effect that goes on beyond the person who has been diagnosed,” Kate says.
“Financially I was hugely impacted. Divorce itself costs a lot and after mediation failed, I spent thousands on a lawyer to fight for a fair settlement. While we eventually settled on a roughly 50/50 split, not only am I further behind in terms of earning potential, and superannuation, I also live with the fear of a cancer recurrence, and as a single parent what that could mean for me if I was unable to work if I get sick again. It’s confronting to realise that the buck literally stops with you.”
From the big C to the big D
Kate’s not the only one who has found herself looking down the barrel of a divorce. Recent research conducted by personal finance brokerage, Compare Club, where Kate works as Head of Research, found that 12 per cent of the 400 women they surveyed who battled breast cancer in the past five years had divorced or separated as a direct result of their diagnosis, with a further eight per cent reporting their relationship was under severe strain.
“One woman said she had supported her husband through cancer a few years before her own diagnosis, yet he chose to end their marriage when she started cancer treatment. Another said that her partner complained that she seemed tired all the time and wasn’t herself after treatment and that she seemed grumpy and that was his main reason for ending a long marriage.”
Others said that their partners complained about having to care for the children or do more around the house while the women were undergoing treatment, that they said they just couldn’t cope and withdrew slowly, while another admitted he struggled to “find empathy” for her and that her ongoing illness was “irritating.”
Relationship breakdowns are only one of the potentially hidden costs of cancer. Contrary to popular belief, not all costs are covered by the public health system.
Some of the common costs associated with treatment can include surgery and anaesthetists, diagnostic tests and imaging, pathology services, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and take-home medications. A patient survey by Consumers Health Forum of Australia in 2021 reported that half of cancer patients have out-of-pocket costs of more than $5000.
“Without appropriate financial support, people with cancer can find it difficult to access and continue optimal cancer treatment and may risk financial hardship,” explains Megan Varlow, Director of Cancer Control Policy at Cancer Council Australia.
“There are many indirect costs that can be experienced by those affected by cancer including hospital parking, travel such as public transport or petrol, accommodation, mental health services, and lost income and superannuation if you’re unable to work or find yourself in a caring role.”
How much it costs to have cancer
It’s estimated that the lifetime cost of breast cancer is $40,000. Healthcare providers are required to give you information about the cost of cancer treatment they are recommending, even if this is simply a written guideline or estimate; this is true informed financial consent.
Before you start treatment or are admitted to hospital, healthcare providers should tell you their fee, identify others involved in delivering the service, which may add to the cost, help you identify any gaps or out-of-pocket costs, answer your questions and make sure you understand, and get agreement that you are willing to proceed.
“Estimating the costs of cancer really depends on where you stop measuring,” says Kate. “From the demise of relationships to job loss or survivors no longer feeling they can continue working due to fatigue or hormonal changes, surviving cancer can not only be an emotional rollercoaster but also a financial marathon.”
Fast forward five years, and she reflects that what was an “utterly heartbreaking experience” has also been a gift.
“Cancer can really show you who the people worth caring about, and who cares about you. I am a lot less fearful and am very conscious of what a gift good health is now and not to take it for granted.”
Her advice for other women? Prioritise your own needs.
“Thanks to the way society is structured and through no fault of their own, women often fall far behind financially. We can’t control when or what happens in life, but it’s critical for women to put their finances and themselves first.”
Where you can get help
Cancer Council has a free and confidential information and support line, 13 11 20, where Australians can find out what financial support might be available to them from our specially trained health professionals.
This can include connecting people to Centrelink income support. The Australian Government’s income payment support program, Centrelink, assists individuals, couples and families with living costs in the form of regular income payments.
Specialist cancer care may not be available locally, particularly for people living in rural or remote areas of Australia, so some people may have to travel long distances for treatment. Financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs is available via Patient-Assisted Travel Schemes.
You can also find further information and resources on practical and financial assistance on the Cancer Council website. Other national services can provide financial assistance and further information to those affected by cancer. You can find the full list here.
