Cancer patients losing average of €16,200 annual income

The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has revealed that cancer patients in Ireland lose an average of €16,200 in annual income following their diagnosis, according to a report titled "The Real Cost of Cancer." This data was gathered through surveys and interviews conducted by Ireland Thinks, funded by the ICS. The financial impact of cancer extends beyond the loss of income, with patients facing additional costs and burdens.

Medical expenses accounted for a significant portion of these costs, with cancer patients spending up to €400 per month on GP visits and prescription medications. Additionally, patients faced travel-related costs of up to €300 each month, covering expenses such as car parking fees, fuel costs, and toll charges. The financial strain caused by these expenses has led many patients to struggle with heating their homes, falling behind on mortgage or rent payments, and even borrowing money to cope with the financial challenges posed by their diagnosis.

Nikki Gallagher, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, emphasized that the impact of cancer reaches far beyond physical and emotional well-being, extending into the financial realm as well. She stated that every year, thousands of families across Ireland are confronted with the word "cancer" for the first time, at home, marking the beginning of a new chapter that affects not only their health but also their financial stability.