The hidden costs of a Cancer diagnosis revealed

Our ‘Hidden Cost of Cancer’ report, found that 78 per cent of those diagnosed within the last two years have been faced with unexpected costs, increasing monthly outgoings by an average of £541.

This comes as household bills continue to spiral. Four out of five, (81 per cent) claim the crisis has impacted their mental wellbeing.

Increased petrol used to travel to appointments is the leading hidden cost, with the price of fuel increasing by 48 per cent in two years¹. This is followed by higher food bills to accommodate changes in diet, buying new clothes due to a change in size, increased energy usage to keep warm and hospital parking.

Those diagnosed with cancer are already dealing with increased waiting times for treatment². NHS targets for the number of people seen by a specialist consultant within two weeks of an urgent GP referral have not been met since May 2020, according to the British Medical Association.

According to those surveyed, the top 10 unexpected costs cancer patients face are:

• Petrol to travel to appointments (38%)
• Convenience food and/or a changed diet (33%)
• Clothes due to changes in size (32%)
• Energy bills at home to keep it warm (31%)
• Hospital parking (30%)
• Prescriptions costs (29%)
• Medical aids or prosthetics (28%)
• Public transport or taxi fares (27%)
• Domestic support at home (22%)
• Childcare (20%)

As a result of increased bills, four in 10 (39 per cent) are drawing on savings to help them get by, while 34 per cent say they are ‘just about managing’ to pay essential bills. A quarter of those surveyed (26 per cent) have borrowed money from friends and family, and a quarter (25 per cent) have sold precious possessions.

Most worryingly, some 28 per cent said their diagnosis has caused them to struggle financially to the extent of being unable to pay all their bills.

However, it’s not just an increase in outgoings which has added to the financial strain for people affected by cancer and their families. Over half (58 per cent) have been forced to change their employment due to their diagnosis, reducing their hours (32 per cent) or pausing work altogether (26 per cent).

Some 40 per cent of those surveyed do not have a savings net if their income stops and a quarter explained they would not be able to financially sustain themselves for longer than 12 months with no income.

Almost three quarters of respondents (74 per cent) did not receive financial support from a critical illness or income protection policy to help cover costs. Of those that do, more than half (57 per cent) said having a policy in place has helped ease the burden of a cancer diagnosis.

To raise awareness of the impact of a cancer diagnosis on everyday life, our ‘Hidden Cost of Cancer’ report, alongside a photography exhibition curated by and featuring images from acclaimed British photographer Martin Parr and TV celebrity Merlin Griffiths. It presents photography captured by people living with cancer or who are in remission, to spotlight the precious aspects of life that are given new significance. Maggie’s, a charity which provides free cancer support and information in centres across the UK and online, has also supported the launch.

Dame Laura Lee, Maggie's CEO said: “Zurich’s campaign helps to highlight the added difficulties people living with cancer are currently facing - while reminding them of the support we have available through Maggie’s. It has also raised some much-needed funds to support our network of UK centres. We know through our experts and our research, that many people are more worried about the rising cost of living than they are about their cancer diagnosis. At such a traumatic time, financial challenges are the last thing they should be burdened with.

“We’re pleased to say that Zurich’s donation will pay for over 500 sessions with a Benefits Adviser, so that someone with cancer or their carer, can get critical financial advice and support that they may need at such a difficult time.”

Louise Colley, Zurich UK’s Director of Retail Protection comments: “The hidden cost of cancer, for many, stretches far beyond the illness itself. The financial stress associated with a diagnosis, as our data reveals, adds an enormous weight to individuals, their families and loved ones.

“Research shows that half of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime, making this is an illness that affects us all. We are proud to partner with Maggie’s, Martin Parr and Merlin Griffiths to highlight this important issue and to celebrate the everyday moments that those living with cancer cherish the most.

“We hope that the poignant images, shared by people from all over the UK, will encourage others to get the screening and medical help they need.”