Forum Discussion

Pommy8's avatar
Pommy8
Member
3 years ago

Cost of having cancer.

I can’t get over the cost for having cancer it’s ridiculous.
i have private health which great hospital covered found big bills from SKG.
Radiation $5000 up front get 2500 back reason closer to work otherwise hour to get radiation for free the stress of traffic and parking at the hospital time of work and worrying about loss of wage.
Crazy nowhere north of the river in Perth.
cost each visit to oncologist.
Then physio so many free then have to pay.
see a psychiatrist ,exercise classes to prevent osteoporosis.
plus $5000 for Oncotype test in America money well spent as came back as not needing chemo.
Im sure if I’d of needed chemo would cost the government over $5000 you would think get some back.
$10000 out of pocket already.
then medication for next 5 to 10 years plus supplements .
besides the stress of having cancer and what the future holds it’s the worry of all the bills.

4 Replies

  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    3 years ago
    I calculated my last cancer episode set me back well over $100k.

    I couldn't work and while my primary treatment was public I had to pay for all the bits and pieces that can make the difference between surviving and living. If I could even get access to those services.

    Lost wages and super, out of pocket costs and eventually rejoining the workforce at a significantly lower pay than previous....

    It's difficult to make that ground up in the later years of your working life.

    If you are going to get cancer, Australia is probably one of the best places to do it. Still an expensive exercise.
  • Pommy8's avatar
    Pommy8
    Member
    3 years ago
    I live in perth which is good but it's 20 mins from work if I go private if public an hour away plus peak time return trip and an hour away .
    So would need to get time of work loss of wage so chosen to go private .
    Crazy though nothing public in joondalup or midland for radiation x
    Yes I know I'm lucky not remote.
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    3 years ago
    Yep, we all hear you @Pommy8 .... I went private for surgery but public for Rads (free) and with ongoing 'gaps', I have been a good $7000+ out of pocket (add another $7000+ for hubby's treatments as he had Oncotype test in the USA too) .... and growing ...

    The Oncotype test really SHOULD be available for all patients on Medicare, as it is essential to know whether chemo is a good option for them or not - and a total waste of money, resources & horrible side effects if given to them & not justified!  Same as an MRI should be given early in the diagnosis, so they have a full body 'comparison' for later on - as the disease is either beaten or progresses .... 

    Do you live in Perth 'proper' - or are you regional, or even rural?  WA has a Patient accommodation & fuel rebate system for those who don't live close to major centres with medical services/hospitals ..... it can help offset the out of pocket costs.

    We have a new rural/remote group that you can join if it suits you - where we are putting info together to benefit those of us living away from cities.

    Take care xx
  • Cath62's avatar
    Cath62
    Member
    3 years ago
    Hi @Pommy8, we hear you. I think my out of pocket (i have private health and didn't go public) was $23000. I am on hormone blockers and have not included that cost or physio. I am a couple of yrs down the track and only now recovering financially from it all.