Financial and practical concerns

Living with advanced or metastatic cancer can put pressure on many areas of your life, including finances, work and everyday responsibilities. Managing cancer over a long period of time can mean ongoing costs and changes to your income.

Care for advanced and metastatic cancer is often ongoing. You will probably need treatment, scans and appointments over months or years. Even if you have treatment in a public hospital, there may still be out-of-pocket costs.

Changes to work and income

Cancer and treatment can affect your ability to work, depending on how well you feel and the type of work you do. Some people can adjust their hours or work arrangements, or take extended leave, while others may decide to stop working or retire.

Fatigue, other side effects, and uncertainty about treatment schedules can make it difficult to make longer-term decisions about work. Whether you can continue working may depend on the support and flexibility of your employer.

These challenges can be especially difficult for casual workers, farmers and people who are self-employed or in caring roles.

For more information, visit LiveWorkCancer, an organisation that helps people affected by cancer navigate work and cancer.

Who can help with finances

When cancer affects your finances, seeing a qualified professional for advice can help. Your local Cancer Council may be able to provide financial counselling or connect you with a financial planner. Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to find out more.

Other professionals who can help include:

Social workers – help you better understand the assistance you may be entitled to.

Financial counsellors – provide free and confidential advice about managing bills and debt, accessing hardship support and negotiating payment plans. To talk to a financial counsellor, phone the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. 

Financial advisers – help you manage your money, assets and financial affairs to meet your personal and financial goals. Financial advisers must hold an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence, or work for a business that holds one. They usually charge fees. To find a financial adviser, visit MoneySmart and search the financial advisers register.

Other areas to look at that could provide financial assistance are:

Centrelink and government support – Some people may be eligible for income support payments, carer payments or other government assistance. Visit Services Australia and search for the payment and service finder to see what payments you may be able to get.

Superannuation and insurance – Talk to your superannuation or insurance providers to find out if you are able to access:

• superannuation (super) on compassionate or medical grounds
• income protection insurance (sometimes through your superannuation fund)
• total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance. 

To find out more, see Cancer, work and you and Cancer and your finances.

I’d like people with advanced cancer to know that there are a myriad of services. You only have to ask; you are not alone.

Pat