Breast Cancer Patients Lose Wages

The Journal of the National Cancer Institute in Canada has just published findings showing that women who are diagnosed with breast cancer experience a drop in wages during their first year of treatment of almost 25%. While there have been numerous studies of the financial impact caused by breast cancer, this is one of the first studies to examine the effects on the actual patients and their families.

This study provides findings from the interviews of 829 women who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. The interviews were staggered over 1-12 week time frames and evaluated the patient’s working status, their compensation that was received, their total absence from work and any sick or disability benefits that they received.

Over 10% of the women who were studied showed a decline of over two-thirds their income. Also, the women who were more likely to suffer wage loses were those with less education and who lived the furthest from the centers that were providing them with treatment.

The goal of the researchers in providing this information is to encourage sensitivity among those that are treating these women and to increase potential financial assistance during this initial treatment time.

Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute

Filed under: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Lifestyle, Women's Health