A survey of 4,719 cancer survivors, ranging from 18 – 64 years of age, showed that one third of them had gone into debt due to their illness. The study also showed that more than half of the cancer survivors’ debts exceeded $10,000. Dr. Matthew P. Banegas at the Kaiser Permanente Center conducted the survey for Health Research in Portland, Oregon.
Another study showed that three percent of cancer survivors have filed for bankruptcy due to their medical debt. The costs for curing cancer have increased two to three times faster than other healthcare costs. The costs for new cancer therapy ranges on average from $10,000 per month to $60,000 per month.
Health Affairs reported that those who were younger, had lower income and held public health insurance were at a higher risk of filing for bankruptcy.
A separate study conducted by Dr. Yousuf Zafar of the Duke Cancer Institute showed that family members of cancer survivors often had to work longer hours to make up for the loss of income. His study also revealed that one third of those surveyed had to borrow money or incurred debt due to medical bills.
Dr. Banegas said that many of the newer cancer treatments are “coming with a higher price tag.” Although there are many programs geared toward helping aid those who are battling cancer, he went on to say, “Professional societies in oncology are working toward generating this kind of information.”
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