The Canadian Cancer Statistics Report was developed by the Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, with cancer data provided by the provincial and territorial cancer registries through the Canadian Cancer Registry. The report examines the economic impact of cancer in Canada, and provides insights into the societal cost of cancer, estimating both costs to health systems and costs for people with cancer and their caregivers, including time costs, out-of-pocket costs and indirect costs. According to the report, 80% of cancer costs are paid by the Canadian healthcare system and 20% of cancer costs are paid by people with cancer and their caregivers. The publication notes that in the next 10 years, cancer-related societal costs are expected to increase by 23% – due in part to population growth, aging population, and increased cancer survival rates.
According to the study, financial constraints can contribute to worse health outcomes, with some patients opting to delay or forgo aspects of their treatment. Those who need to work less or leave their job due to illness, along with caregivers who need to take time off, risk losing essential health coverage and income. While, those in lower-income households and those on fixed incomes are disproportionately affected, and those in rural and remote communities far from treatment pay more for travel costs to receive necessary care.
For further information about the study and to access additional key insights, click here.