MAKING HIDDEN COSTS VISIBLE WE WILL SHINE A LIGHT ON THE COST BURDEN OF CARE
A diagnosis can turn life upside down—emotionally, physically and financially. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, when the focus should be on health and recovery, financial stress too often forces people with breast cancer and their families to make decisions based on what they can afford, rather than on what’s best for their care. The costs associated with breast cancer can be unpredictable, unequal and often poorly understood. From imaging and testing to treatment and medicines, allied health and side effects, out-of-pocket expenses escalate rapidly. Costs can exceed tens of thousands of dollars, and what will be charged is often unknown until the bill arrives. Inconsistent fees, hidden charges, and no easy way to compare or plan. These are more than financial problems—they are barriers to care. BCNA is determined to build a national picture of the true financial burden, and use it to drive reform. Our community has told us again and again: the financial pressure is relentless. We need a system where care is based on need, not on affordability or income.
25% OF WOMEN REPORTED $17,000 OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS WITHIN 5 YEARS OF DIAGNOSIS The Financial Impact of Breast Cancer, 2017 BCNA study LIFE-EXTENDING DRUG ENHERTU PREVIOUSLY COST $5K PER VIAL BCNA FOUGHT TO BRING THE COST DOWN TO JUST $25 THROUGH THE PBS — IN SOME CASES, SAVING UP TO $260,000 PER YEAR
BCNA is uniquely positioned to lead a national investigation into the current financial burden of breast cancer—and we will.
By combining the insight of our member network with the expertise of our university research partners, we will uncover the real challenges experienced across communities and care systems. The charges even our governments and private health insurers can't see. The data and stories gathered from across the country will help us identify the true extent and nature of out-of-pocket costs, understand why and where disparities occur, and reveal how financial pressures impact people’s lives and care decisions. This evidence will shine a light where it matters most—on the pricing practices, policies and protections that shape the experience of breast cancer care. Armed with this information, we will advocate for pricing transparency, fairer access to financial support, and a more equitable system. By exposing the true cost of breast cancer, we can remove financial barriers, help everyone seek care earlier and improve treatment outcomes. Funding our research will build the momentum to make breast cancer care fairer, and take finances out of the equation.
Work is so important to me—not just for purpose, but to pay my medical bills and live as fully as I can. Every scan, treatment and side effect brings stress and costs I never expected. Living in this limbo is exhausting, but I’m hopeful things can change so others won’t have to face the same.”
KATIE diagnosed at 31
12
13
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Case for Support
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