'I had to make sure I was able to afford not to have a job' - how the costs of cancer care add up

"On paper, the costs of contending with a cancer diagnosis may seem straightforward. According to 2019 research by the Irish Cancer Society, the average additional cost is €756 per month, with many facing outgoings of up to €1,000 per month. Households affected by cancer can also see an average loss of income of €1,500 each month."

"According to a 2022 survey by Core Research, commissioned by the Irish Cancer Society, the majority (78pc of lower socio-economic groupings and 65pc from those in higher socio-economic groupings) felt they were in a worse financial position compared to the year before. The most common average expenses were medications, GP visits and treatment abroad."

Cancer diagnosis leads to significant financial strain beyond direct treatment costs. Additional monthly outgoings average €756, with many households facing up to €1,000 extra per month. Affected households can also experience average income losses of about €1,500 each month. A 2022 survey found most people affected felt financially worse off than the year before, with 78% in lower socio-economic groups and 65% in higher groups reporting deterioration. The most common out-of-pocket expenses include medications, GP visits and treatment abroad. Expenses can range from everyday costs such as petrol to specialized services like podiatry, increasing overall financial burden.

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