Leukaemia Foundation reports financial barriers to blood cancer treatment

Research released by the Leukaemia Foundation indicates that one in eight people living with blood cancer has been forced to delay, skip, or cancel treatment or care due to financial constraints.

Beyond the direct cost of medical treatments, patients face significant expenses including frequent hospital visits, specialist fees, medications, travel, and accommodation near treatment centers. The study highlights an average direct annual cost of approximately 3,910 Australian dollars, though some families report burdens exceeding 20,000 dollars per year.

Economic pressure is further compounded by lost income when patients are unable to work or when family members must reduce their working hours to provide care. In response, the ‘Cut the Cost of Cancer’ campaign is calling on governments to implement measures to reduce the financial burden on patients and their families.