Canadian Cancer Society seeks lower expenses for cancer patients

The Canadian Cancer Society is hoping to ease the financial burden faced by people living with cancer.

The Society says people living with cancer and their caregivers shoulder about $33,000 in out-of-pocket expenses over their lifetime.

Those living in rural and remote areas face much higher expenses due to travel.

The Society also found that nearly 80 % of working-age Ontarians fear they would struggle financially if diagnosed with cancer.

It is taking those concerns to the provincial government to consider, as it holds pre-budget meetings across the province.

One of the more urgent asks is for the medications patients take at home to be covered under OHIP.

Speaking to a legislative committee holding pre-budget consultations, Advocacy Manager Hillary Buchan-Terrell says more than half of new cancer drugs are those patients use at home.

The cost is as much as $7,500 for a month’s supply, a cost, Buchan-Terrell says, that often results in delays for patients.

“Ontario’s current patchwork of private insurance requirements, patient assistance programs and the Trillium drug program forces patients to endure weeks or months of paperwork before starting the treatment their oncologist has already determined they need,” says Buchan-Terrell.

The Society is also seeking to have the test for prostate cancer covered.

Men must pay $41 to $45 unless they show symptoms, thus reducing the cost to $9.40.

“This cost may seem modest, but it can deter timely testing, especially for those already managing other financial pressures,” says Buchan-Terrell.

The Society is also proposing free parking for patients when visiting a cancer clinic.

It is asking the province to run a pilot project at all 14 clinics in Ontario, including the one in Thunder Bay.

Buchan-Terrell says it is a small ask, but the cost adds up when patients must make frequent visits.

“Studies show Canadians spend almost $100 a month on parking alone during cancer treatment. Ontarians pay significantly more. Ontario has some of the highest parking costs in Canada.”

The Society is also looking for preventative measures.

It includes raising the minimum age of sale for tobacco and vaping products to 21 as a way of discouraging youth from picking up the habit.