Breast cancer is often disastrous for personal finance
80% of people who have had breast cancer are faced with financial problems, a study by the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) released yesterday on Parliament Hill.
“Their annual household income fell 10% on average, 44% of respondents have exhausted their savings and retirement funds, while 27% had to go into debt to pay the salaries,” the study said.
The average salary of a breast cancer is 38 weeks, while the unemployment insurance benefits last approximately 15 weeks.
About 81% of respondents employed full time at the time of diagnosis, 16% were dismissed during treatment and 17% did not find an identical position and at the same salary when they return. Over a fifth (21%) of respondent (s) reported having returned to work before being fully fit, because of financial pressures.
The president of the Canadian Breast Cancer Cathy Ammendola, advocates for the rights of people affected by this type of cancer “a return to work suitable to their needs.”
The agency also points to “inconsistencies” in the various provinces and territories, including in respect of the coverage of drugs and prostheses.
The study, entitled Breast Cancer: The Economic Impact and reintegration into the labor force was funded by the Breast Cancer Society of Canada. The survey was conducted in 2009 with 446 participants (98% women) who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.