Cancer costs the average patient nearly $33,000 in their lifetime
Too many people in Canada today are facing challenges in accessing the cancer care they need to thrive. For countless individuals, the rising out-of-pocket costs – from lab fees and medications to gas money and hospital trips – are piling up at the worst possible time, when earning an income may not even be an option.
People with cancer and their caregivers shoulder 20% of Canada’s total cancer costs – amounting to a staggering $7.5 billion this year alone. With rising cost of living, and more people in Canada facing a cancer diagnosis due to a growing and aging population, this number is expected to climb over the next decade to $8.8 billion per year. These can make an already difficult journey feel overwhelming.
But there is hope. Together, we can make a difference. While no single solution will fix this issue, and no one can do it alone, we believe in the power of collective action. It takes a society—individuals, charities, communities, industries, and governments—working hand in hand to close the gap in care. By coming together, we can lighten the financial load and ensure that no one is forced to go without the tests, treatments, or medications they need.
We need to act now, as a society, to make cancer care more affordable for everyone. Let’s work together to create a future where everyone in Canada can access the care they need without the added financial stress.
Sign our petition to reduce the cost of cancer care in Canada
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon all governments to work together to lower the cost of cancer care by:
- Supporting caregivers by making the Canada Caregiver Credit refundable, so that anyone who qualifies would receive some relief from out-of-pocket costs
- Reduce costs and increase access to innovative cancer drugs by lowing drug prices and guaranteeing access to what is currently available
- Guarantee job security through treatment and recovery by expanding job protected leave to 26 weeks
- Lightening the load for patients and families by reducing additional costs to cancer care, including lab fees, transportation, prosthetics, oncofertility treatments, incontinence products, cooling caps, and so much more
- Urgently address critical shortages of healthcare providers and systemic staffing challenges by implementing a pan-Canadian health human resources (HHR) strategy
- Investing in and reduce barriers to early detection, to find cancers earlier when they are easier to treat, saving lives and vital health system dollars
- Promoting healthy living and policies that protect the health of Canadians by reducing commercial tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and increasing vaccinate rates for HPV
Steven Hodges: The cost of cancer care
Our programs and services
The Canadian Cancer Society helps people access the care they need without financial hardship. If you need immediate assistance, please review our services and support programs below to see how we may be able to help.