Financial Difficulties

 

“The long term impact of reduced earning capability is an added stressor that makes me feel anxious and vulnerable”

    There are many hidden financial implications of a cancer diagnosis that are rarely called out. At a time when our ability to earn is reduced, the extra costs hit us as a double whammy. A lengthy treatment regime and subsequent recovery means we may need to extend our sick leave beyond that which our employer will support with sick pay, we may not be able to return to work at the same income level after treatment, or at all. It is common to move from full time to part time, to change careers for something less stressful. Self-employed women may be left without income for a considerable period and small businesses may suffer beyond repair. 

    For those of us with primary breast cancer, the trajectory of recovery isn’t linear and we continue to take our cancer ‘effects’ forward with us. Post traumatic stress symptoms can linger for a long time after diagnosis. With threats to our self-esteem and self-confidence, the variability in our recovery and our change in priorities due to the uncertainty we face, we remain at a disadvantage and continue to be at a higher risk of long term financial insecurity. Fatigue is another big factor as at times even if we want to continue what we love doing, we can’t, and we have to take a step back.

    Those of us with secondary breast cancer described how financial uncertainty caused additional stress and worry which impacted on both our physical and emotional well-being and our ability to pursue our goals, especially for those who had been forced to give up much-loved careers. Although those who could work part-time (depending on their role and the support available) shared how important this was in terms of finances, many felt that work was just not something they could contemplate, especially if they were on an intensive treatment plan which might require daily appointments at the hospital.

    Returning to work and continuing to work can be fraught with problems, with some of us struggling on short, phased returns with little management support. As mentioned above, fatigue is a long term after effect of cancer and sometimes this can be debilitating. Those who do successfully return to their old jobs may no longer be wanting or have the energy to put themselves forward for promotions or career progression.

    The additional costs of having cancer include: travel costs to our treatment centre, parking costs, hats and scarves and wigs for that time without our hair during chemotherapy, pillows and pyjamas that open down the front for surgery, pure lotions to sooth damaged skin after radiotherapy, specialist bras for post-surgery and then pocketed bras and swimwear forever (which cost more than ordinary bras and are mostly ugly to boot!). 

    Exercise and eating well are key to our health, with many of us taking supplements, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be expensive. Travel insurance costs rocket up, particularly for women with secondary cancer, and life policies may become invalid. Getting further life cover and private medical insurance may be prohibited. Even those who had access to private treatment are still required to pay excess payments of hundreds of pounds. Being at home all day during treatment means heating costs go up, especially through Winter.  Additionally, some of us had paid for genetic testing which we were not eligible for on the NHS. This can be expensive, but so important for many wanting to understand future family risks. 

    A few of us had critical illness cover and income protection which had been an enormous help, but it's important to check the small print to check the limits of cover.  In an effort to secure extra funds, some have cashed in savings plans, including pension plans, or sold their homes to make ends meet.  ESA is available for some, and PIP, and prescriptions for all medications are free following diagnosis.  Some used annual leave instead of sick leave for the time off work needed, but this of course left no holiday time, which hardly supports a healthy recovery. 

    Cancer charities like Macmillan and Maggie's can be great, and many of us had relied on help and support to access appropriate benefits, a temporary reduction in household bills or mortgage repayments. Not all of us had positive experiences though, and some of us had been poorly advised, had benefit applications rejected and had to go through an appeals process, or had poor experiences with our banks and building societies.

    Having cancer can mean a permanent drop in income and lead to a necessary change of lifestyle.  For those who get by, luxuries like travel and overseas holidays may become a thing of the past. It may take years beyond diagnosis to return to financial stability. At its worst, cancer may bring with it real financial hardship, the stress and worry of which cannot be helpful to our reduced level of health and fitness. 

Even those with more positive experiences felt that the focus tended to be on short term financial help and advice during treatment. But what about the longer term?

    Some amazing entrepreneurial suggestions were put forward about ways to earn money but very many of us simply felt we did not have the energy to invest in anything other than trying to keep up with our usual routines and staying as well as we could.

    Being able to access to advice from knowledgeable and informed advisors, a reduction in outgoings and support from our families were just some of the factors which helped to increase our resilience. Those who were younger, single parents, carers, students, or had multiple health conditions appeared to face considerable adversity. It was clear that the challenges continued in the longer term. We continue to worry about what the future holds and how the financial strain will affect us further down the line.