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LIVING WITH BREAST CANCER > Practical and financial issues
PRACTICAL AND FINANCIAL ISSUES
Breast cancer can have implications in both practical and financial terms. While you are dealing with your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, you will likely experience disruptions to your normal activities as well as new financial considerations.
You may want to approach friends and family members for assistance with the practical aspects of living with cancer. Sometimes, those who are used to being caregivers for their family are not used to asking for help when they need it. Don’t underestimate the willingness of the people around you to lend a hand.
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada publishes a series of province-specific booklets called Coping With Your Financial Concerns When You Have Breast Cancer, which provide detailed information on resources available for practical and financial assistance across Canada.
The following is a checklist of some of the practical and financial issues you may face. It may be helpful to review this list and to make arrangements for these items in advance, if possible so that you are not trying to put things in place when you are busy with your treatment.
Health care costs
Treatment for breast cancer may involve additional costs beyond those covered by your provincial health care plan. If you are eligible for extended coverage, such as through employee benefits from your workplace or through your partner’s workplace, review your coverage and prepare any necessary paperwork.
Travel costs for out-of-town appointments
You may be required to travel for medical care that is unavailable where you live. The Canadian Cancer Society specializes in transportation assistance. Call their Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 to find out whether transportation assistance is available in your area.
Drug costs
You will have to prepare the paperwork to claim the cost of medications through your employee benefits or through your provincial assistance plan, if you are eligible. If you do not have any benefits to cover the cost of drugs and are experiencing financial difficulties, you can contact a social worker through the cancer centre where you are receiving treatment to review potential options for assistance.
Lost work time
If you cannot work for an extended period and have coverage through employee benefits, review the terms for illness and disability benefits. In addition, the Canadian government offers financial assistance through the Employment Insurance program. Contact your local office of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.
Childcare
If you are responsible for childcare in your family, you may want to make alternative arrangements for times when you must attend treatment.
Housework
You might arrange for help around the home. This could be something that family or friends are able to assist with, or you could pay for housekeeping service. In some areas, you may be able to access free home help, if you are eligible.
When making arrangements for the items above, consider the following options:
- Speak to your health care team for a referral to supportive care services in your area.
- Contact Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada for information about the most current programs and services available to people affected by breast cancer: 1-888-778-3100.
- Contact the Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 to find out about the kinds of assistance available in your area for people affected by cancer.
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