Prostate cancer is an important public health issue in Australia as almost 20,000 men are diagnosed with the condition every year. A confirmed diagnosis can have a huge impact on the patients, their families, their physical health, emotional wellbeing as well as on their professional life. The cost of prostate cancer for an average Australian can be overwhelming, where patients may need to seek prostate cancer financial assistance.
Treatment procedure aside, one of the biggest burdens that is laid on the patients is the financial cost of the treatment. There are hefty out of pocket expenses involved when seeking treatment for prostate cancer along with disruptions to employment which in turn heightens the stress of financial impact to the individuals. Many have to take time off from work to proceed with the treatment procedure.
For prostate cancer patients, most of the expenses will occur during the first twelve months after their diagnosis. These expenses can include primary treatment as well as attendant costs. For those with advance stage cancer, these costs can turn into an ongoing expense and go beyond the duration of the first year.
According to a research study conducted by ProsCan with data provided by MBS and PBS, the out of pocket expenses sustained by prostate cancer patients ranged between $1,627 and $6,037. Another group of participants who took part in an online survey reported spending between $11,077 and $8,000 from their own funds.
One of the reasons attributed to the high cost of prostate cancer treatment is thought to be the type of treatment sought. For instance, patients who had had radical prostatectomy or brachytherapy as initial treatment, faced higher service charges. Costs amounted to a higher bill during the first two months after the diagnosis when expenses were incurred during hospital stays and specialist fees.
For many, the money came from using personal savings while others collected the required funds by selling their assets or increasing their credit card debt. Even for those who had private health fund assistance, many patients had to resort to encroaching upon their savings, asking financial assistance from family as well as lowering their mortgage payments.
According to a Griffith University’s Health Institute study, the average cost of doctor and specialist fee for prostate treatment came to about $13,000 but Medicare only rebated $8,664. Out of these, specialist consultations averaged as the most expensive cost component, especially when there were hospital stays and outpatient visits involved. Private medical providers charged a fee substantially higher than what could be claimed through Medicare or private health insurance.
For patients who may need to travel to other destinations for their treatment, there are travel costs involved as well. The travel subsidy provided caters $60 a night but the actual cost calculated amounts to $100 per night and falls short, leading patients to contribute more money from their own pockets.
Given the rise in the prices of services and pharmaceuticals involved, prostate cancer treatment costs are likely to increase in the future as well. The overall costs of prostate cancer treatment in Australia are financed partially by the government, the patients themselves can seek prostate cancer financial assistance through health insurers, non-profits and fundraising. Even so, there is a huge out of pocket expenses can severely impact the quality of life for patients.
References:
1. Prostate cancer patient anger at huge bills despite paying insurance: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/prostate-cancer-patient-anger-at-huge-bills-despite-paying-insurance/story-fneuzlbd-1226711959215
2. Prostate cancer expenses: http://healtheconomics.com.au/files/525df6faf3ddd.pdf
3. Prostate cancer patients slugged with expenses: http://www.oncologyupdate.com.au/latest-news/prostate-cancer-patients-slugged-with-expenses