The 8th Lung Cancer Europe Report on Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can affect far more than health. The costs of care, travel and everyday living, combined with a loss of income, can create financial toxicity: financial strain caused by cancer and its treatment.

This Lung Cancer Europe report examines the financial impact of lung cancer across Europe. It looks at the costs people face, changes to work and household income, the effect of financial pressure on wellbeing and care, and the support available to people affected by the disease.

Between 26 May and 5 July 2023, 1,161 people from 28 countries in the WHO European Region took part in the survey. This included 834 people diagnosed with lung cancer and 327 people caring for someone with the disease. Their responses provide detailed evidence of how lung cancer can affect household finances, access to care and daily life.

What the report covers

The findings are organised into four areas.

The cost of lung cancer: medical expenses, travel to hospital, medicines, tests, personal care items and other costs that may not be fully covered by healthcare systems or insurance.

Work and household income: time away from work, reduced working hours, being unable to work, early retirement and the effect of caring responsibilities on employment.

Financial distress and wellbeing: difficulty meeting household expenses, increased debt, reduced spending and the effect of financial pressure on mental health, family life and social activities.

Access to support: conversations about money with healthcare teams, access to social workers, financial benefits and the practical support available to people living with lung cancer and those caring for them.

Some of what we found

Almost three quarters of participants had faced medical expenses because of lung cancer, while 87.2% reported non-medical costs. Travel for medical care, household utility bills and personal care items were among the expenses reported most often.

Almost two thirds said their household income had fallen following diagnosis. Among those reporting a reduction, almost half said their income had fallen by more than 30%.

Two thirds experienced financial difficulties because of lung cancer. These difficulties were reported more often by people caring for someone with the disease than by people who had been diagnosed themselves.

Almost one in three participants used more than 20% of their household income to pay lung cancer-related expenses. More than eight in ten people experiencing financial difficulties said money had become a barrier to treatment, recovery or care.

More than one in four had made a decision affecting their care, treatment or self-care because of financial concerns. The report also found substantial differences between countries, with people in parts of Eastern Europe reporting some of the greatest financial pressure.

What we are calling for

The report calls for financial toxicity to be identified and addressed as part of lung cancer care.

Healthcare teams should ask about financial concerns, provide clear information and refer people to appropriate support when financial vulnerability is identified.

Governments and healthcare systems should also strengthen financial assistance and income replacement programmes for people who are unable to work because of lung cancer or caring responsibilities.