Canadian Cancer Society fights financial burden of disease on World Cancer Day

Crystal Garrett speaks with the Canadian Cancer Society about the costs of cancer for those living with the disease.

Tuesday was World Cancer Day, an annual event that takes place every Feb. 4 to raise awareness about cancer, encourage prevention and mobilise people to take action against cancer worldwide.

Heather Mulligan is the senior manager of advocacy and strategic initiatives with the Canadian Cancer Society. She told CTV’s Crystal Garrett that a new study in partnership with Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada shows the average cancer diagnosis costs patients $33,000 in their lifetime.

“We’re talking about things like prescriptions,” Mulligan said. “Their actual treatment. Travel. Lost wages due to taking time away from work – not only the patient but their caregiver as well.

Mulligan said working age Canadians will feel the burden and that 81 per cent of Atlantic Canadians would need to make “tough financial decisions” if they faced a cancer diagnosis. She said the survey showed Atlantic Canadians do not think patients should have to cover the costs associated with cancer treatment.

“They believe it’s the role of government to step in and provide that support to the patient and their families,” Mulligan said.

The Canadian Cancer Society encourages Canadians to visit their website to learn more. Mulligan said there is a petition they can sign to support the society’s pursuit of equitable access to cancer care.

“What we’re hoping to do is lend more voices to this cause and encourage government to take action.”

Mulligan said people who are suffering under the financial burden of cancer can contact the society, which provides some services for patients at no cost.

“The best thing that we can do right now is advocate for change and ask government to do more and to do better.”