A significant number of Canadians diagnosed with cancer face serious financial and career challenges during their treatment, according to new data from the Angus Reid Institute in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society.
The report highlights the hidden costs of cancer, with nearly one-quarter (23%) of patients saying they encountered “substantial out-of-pocket costs” that made it difficult to make ends meet.
Many struggled to cover household expenses (21%), rent (17%), or mortgage payments (13%). The financial strain also had long-term consequences, with 40% of cancer patients reporting their retirement savings took a hit due to treatment-related costs.
Beyond finances, career setbacks also emerged as a major issue. Among working-age Canadians with direct or indirect experience with cancer, 31% said a diagnosis required “significant unpaid time off,” while 7% reported lost career advancement opportunities. Additionally, 10% said they — or someone they knew — lost their job while undergoing treatment.
The study also introduced a Cancer Experience Index (CEI) to assess the difficulties faced by patients, factoring in financial struggles, job loss, and barriers to timely care.
The findings reveal that more than one-third (37%) of those diagnosed with cancer described their treatment journey as challenging or very challenging. Similarly, 39% of those who had a close friend, colleague, or family member with cancer reported similar struggles.