All Australians affected by cancer should be supported to access and receive optimal cancer care. However, the reality is many Australians affected by cancer experience significant financial burden, with the cost of cancer significantly impacting treatment decisions and cancer outcomes. Australians diagnosed with cancer and their families should not be financially ruined by cancer or receive sub-optimal cancer care because of the financial impact of cancer.
Further to work presented at the 2022 COSA ASM, Cancer Council Australia have now finalised the first chapter of the National Cancer Care Policy focusing on the Financial Cost of Cancer. The policy priorities in this chapter aim to address the financial cost of cancer in alignment with the three components of the COSA Financial Toxicity Working Group’s definition of financial toxicity: 1) Decrease the impact of the direct costs of cancer, 2) decrease the impact of the indirect financial costs of cancer, and 3) address changing financial circumstances that arise due to cancer. The chapter was underpinned by several literature reviews, with policy priorities developed in consultation with individuals and organisations with expertise in the financial cost of cancer, and cancer care.
Four policy priority areas were identified: 1) Ensure the implementation of the Standard for Informed Financial Consent; 2) improve the experience of people with cancer who require income support payments; 3) improve financial support for people living in regional and remote areas to access cancer treatment and care; and 4) support increased access to financial counsellors across Australia. A further five priority areas were suggested for future exploration and development.
The Financial Cost of Cancer chapter of the National Cancer Care Policy reflects the Australian cancer care environment and provides feasible and actionable policy solutions that would support more equitable cancer outcomes and support delivery of several of the goals and priorities of the Australian Cancer Plan.