Over 1.5 million people in Canada are living with or have survived cancer. It’s estimated that between 33% and 40% have experienced financial distress following a diagnosis. People experience the financial impact of cancer in many different and difficult ways.
At the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), we are committed to providing trusted information and resources to people affected by cancer. In partnership with Manulife, we’re improving how people discover and understand financial support by updating key content on our website and improving our Community Services Locator (CSL).
Thanks to Manulife’s contribution, CCS can strengthen tools that connect to existing financial aid programs and local services. These improvements help people better navigate the financial challenges that can follow a cancer diagnosis with clear, user-friendly resources suited to their needs.
This project reflects Manulife’s Impact Agenda, which aims to advance inclusive economic opportunities and improve health and well-being. Together, we're helping Canadians affected by cancer to get the information and support they need – when they need it most.
Xavier, a Manulife employee and a cancer survivor, knows firsthand the financial challenges that come with a diagnosis. During treatment, he and his wife had to use up a large amount of their savings to manage the unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
“There is a real opportunity to better inform cancer patients and their families of the resources available to them and help them plan financially – ahead of and during a time of crisis like cancer,” Xavier shares. “By addressing these financial issues, patients can focus all their energy on their health.”
CCS aims to reduce the financial stress that often comes with cancer. We’re here to answer some financial questions you might have about the resources available to you.
1) Who can answer my questions about financial support
Cancer can affect your finances in different ways. This might include lost income from taking time off work, as well as unexpected out-of-pocket expenses related to travel, childcare, medicine or medical equipment.
There are different people who can help. Your human resources representative or insurance broker can help you understand your private health insurance. Your bank manager or personal financial advisor can help you budget your money and suggest ways to manage new expenses. An accountant can help you claim medical expenses on your income tax return. A social worker can help you access various financial assistance programs.
Find out more about the people who can answer your questions about budgeting and planning.
2) How can I find resources in my local community or close to me?
3) How do I learn about my insurance benefits?
Private health insurance can help cover expenses that are not paid for by your provincial health plan. If you have insurance coverage through your employer, your group benefits provider may have offered tools to help you manage costs for medications and health services. Check with your human resources department or your group benefits provider to learn more.
See our finances page for questions to ask about your insurance policy.
4) What financial help programs are available to me?
People with cancer, survivors, their families and caregivers can access different financial programs across Canada. If you need to stop working or are facing other financial challenges due to illness, there are assistance programs offered on a federal, provincial, territorial and local level.
For information on financial support programs and resources available across Canada, visit our financial help page.
5) What if I need to travel for treatment?
Transportation costs can add up if you need to travel for treatment. CCS offers a few support services to help you manage your transportation or accommodation expenses.
Wheels of Hope is our transportation program that connects volunteer drivers with people who need transportation to cancer treatment.
If you need a place to stay while you’re receiving treatment, CCS offers an affordable and comfortable place to stay at our lodges. They’re located near cancer treatment centres and major hospitals.
If you live in British Columbia, the Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services program (CTAAS) offers financial grants, accommodations, and air and ground transportation for people who need to travel for their care.
Our Travel Treatment Fund also offers short-term financial assistance to offset some travel costs when travelling to treatment. This includes expenses like gas and taxi or public transit fares.
6) Where can I find online support?
