Besides the emotional and physical effects, breast cancer often raises practical and financial concerns. While you are dealing with your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, your normal activities will likely be disrupted and you may have to face new financial concerns.
You may wish to ask friends and family members to help with the practical aspects of living with breast cancer. If you are your family's main caregiver, you may not be used to asking for help from others. Don't underestimate the willingness of the people around you to lend a hand.
The following information outlines some of the practical and financial issues you may face as you go through breast cancer treatment: health care costs , cancer drug costs , tax deductions for cancer care costs, lost work time and income , childcare and housework.
It may be helpful to review this information and make some advance arrangements, if possible, so that you are not trying to put things in place when you need the time and energy for 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 or your partner's workplace, review your coverage and prepare any necessary paperwork.
Cancer 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 may wish to contact a social worker through the cancer centre where you are receiving treatment to review potential options for assistance.
Tax deductions for cancer care costs
You are entitled to income tax deductions for some of the expenses you will have during treatment. These include things like the cost of parking, travel, accommodation, meals and drugs. The expenses can be incurred by you or someone who comes with you to your appointments. Ask your health care team or a social worker at your cancer centre for information. You may also wish to contact Canada Revenue Agency for details.
Lost work time and income
The length of time you need to be off work will depend on your treatment plan. If you are being treated with surgery and/or radiation, the time you need off work may be short. If you are being treated with chemotherapy, this will take likely place over several months.
Common side effects prevent most people from working full-time during their cancer treatment. Speak to your health care team about how long your treatment will take and how you might feel during and after treatment.
You will also need to think about the physical and mental demands of your job. It may be possible for you to work part-time hours, change the hours you work or use flex time during your treatment. You may wish to speak with your employer about the options—and, if you have a benefit plan through your workplace, ask if there will be changes to it if your hours change.
If you are unable to 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 for details.
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 practical and financial arrangements, speak to your health care team for a referral to supportive care services at your cancer centre and in your area.
Read more about living with breast cancer: your relationships, sexuality , fertility, communicating with your children, your emotions, and coping with practical and financial issues.
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