The cost of lung cancer and financial distress 

• Most participants experienced both medical (73.5%) and non-medical expenses (87.2%) because of lung cancer.  The costs reported most often were travel for medical reasons (83.7%), household utility bills such as telephone or heating (77.3%), and personal items such as dressings, bandages, and creams (72.3%). 

• 62.9% reported reduced household income since diagnosis. Half (49.5%) experienced a decrease of more than 30% in their income compared to their situation prior to the diagnosis. 1 out of 4 mentioned inability to work as one of the reasons for the decrease in income, followed by work absences (27.9%) and retirement due to illness (26.8%). 

• 66.7% reported financial challenges as a result of the disease. These difficulties were more frequently reported by caregivers (77.9%) than patients (62.3%).  The findings show that 21.2% of participants needed more than 30% of their household income to pay for expenses related to lung cancer. 

• Expenses related to lung cancer impacted finances in such a way that, according to our research, 45.7% had difficulties paying costs associated with lung cancer. Consequently, 36.8% of people found it difficult to live on their household income. 

I was hospitalized for 25 days due to a complication. There were many expenses for the family who had to visit me. It was far from home and train tickets are expensive. (Quote from a person with lung cancer from Denmark) 

Repercussions of financial stress and support  

• 88.4% of participants experiencing financial difficulties pointed out that, at least, one sphere of their lives was negatively affected by economic repercussions. The main repercussions reported were in mental health (67.5%), and lifestyle and social activities (59.0%).  

• The majority of participants with financial difficulties (82.1%) perceived these as a barrier to treatment, recovery, and care. 

• Our findings show that 26.5% of people impacted by lung cancer made a decision that affected their self-care or adherence to treatment due to economic reasons. 

• Only 1 out 5 survey respondents had sought financial support from public health (21.6%) or social services (20.6%). However, nearly 30% and 41%, respectively, did not receive the needed assistance. 

• Support for costs related to medication and healthcare was identified as the financial support most needed (53.0%)  

My husband makes decisions for treatment based on not impacting his family financially after he is gone. (Quote from a caregiver from the United Kingdom)

Call to action 

• Healthcare teams should screen for financial toxicity and provide programmes to assist with costs if financial vulnerability is detected. 
• Authorities should increase income replacement programme coverage for people unable to work because of lung cancer or caregiving.