Escalating out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment will be assessed in a Queensland-first survey seeking to better understand the crippling financial burden faced by thousands of Queensland families every year.
Cancer Council’s latest Everyday Health Survey “Health System Quality & Costs – How High is the Burden?” will survey patients and carers across the state to measure the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said the survey would be key to the organisation’s advocacy ahead of the State Election, highlighting areas of need for greater cooperation between government and leading community-based cancer groups such as CCQ.
“We’re calling on all Queenslanders who have had a direct experience of cancer, and their carers, to speak out on how they have been financially impacted during their diagnosis and treatment,” Ms McMillan said.
“Our aim is to better understand how out-of-pocket costs and financial challenges can impact on cancer patients, influencing their treatment decisions and compliance with clinical advice,” Ms McMillan said.
“From changes in employment status, to understanding insurance needs – this survey will provide a valuable insight into the financial situation of Queenslanders affected by cancer.
“All responses will be anonymous and confidential. We are asking Queenslanders to comment on their experience with both private and public health systems across the state.
“We want to understand if the true out-of-pocket costs of a diagnosis are fully explained to Queenslanders in need, and how treatment options are communicated.
“We are also asking patients and carers about access to treatment facilities – including their mode of travel and frequency of travel to receive treatment.
“The survey will allow us to understand the financial challenges faced by regional and metropolitan cancer patients and carers, and how they differ.
“The Everyday Health Survey will also provide an understanding of financial support services accessed by Queenslanders in need – from hardship considerations for mortgages to financial counselling services, emergency money or food and fee reductions for services including treatment or hospital parking.
“We want to understand how out-of-pocket costs during a cancer diagnosis affect Queenslanders. We have a responsibility to understand any financial burden, and to alleviate it.
“We know many Queenslanders are passionate about lowering the financial impact of a diagnosis – this is their opportunity to have their say and help us provide for people in need.”
Queenslanders aged 18 and over, who have experienced cancer as a patient or carer, are invited to complete the Everyday Health Survey at cancerqld.org.au/everydayhealthsurvey.
The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous and confidential.
“Our Everyday Health Survey will also gather information on access to health services – including whether upfront costs may act as a deterrent to people accessing treatment,” Ms McMillan said.
“The results of this survey will help us provide practical solutions to the financial cancer-related burdens being experienced across Queensland.”
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council’s 13 11 20.
For more information or interviews, please contact:
Executive Manager,
Media and Spokesperson,
Cancer Council Queensland
Phone: (07) 3634 5372
Mobile: 0409 001 171