Money Matters: Easing the Financial Stress of a Cancer Diagnosis

A bowel cancer diagnosis changes everything, emotionally, physically, and financially. For many Australians, especially those diagnosed under 50, the financial stress can feel just as overwhelming as the treatment itself. With work disruptions, out-of-pocket medical costs, travel for specialist care, and everyday bills still piling up, it’s no wonder that many young patients find themselves struggling to stay afloat.

While financial support options exist, they’re not always easy to navigate, especially when you’re already juggling scans, surgeries, or chemotherapy. This guide is designed to help Australians with early-onset bowel cancer better understand the financial landscape of cancer care and take steps to reduce some of the financial pressure.

Understanding the Costs of Cancer in Australia

The cost of bowel cancer can vary significantly depending on your stage, treatment plan, access to public or private care, and location. Even with Medicare and private health insurance, many patients find themselves out of pocket.

Common costs include:

• Specialist consultations and follow-up appointments
• Diagnostic imaging (CT scans, MRIs, PET scans)
• Surgery and hospital stays
• Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted treatments
• Stoma supplies and post-surgical care
• Medications not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• Fertility preservation (which often isn’t covered)
• Psychological support services
• Travel, accommodation, and parking
• Loss of income if you need to reduce or stop work

Bowel Cancer Australia offers a cost of cancer calculator that can help you anticipate expenses.

Step 1: Review Your Financial Situation Early

Taking the time to understand your finances early in your diagnosis can help reduce surprises later. You don’t have to go it alone, a social worker or cancer care coordinator at your hospital can help you connect with support services.

Start by:

• Listing all current income sources (including your partner’s, if relevant)
• Tracking monthly expenses (mortgage/rent, utilities, food, transport)
• Reviewing your private health insurance policy to understand what’s covered
• Checking available leave entitlements (paid or unpaid) through your employer
• Looking into any savings or emergency funds you can access

Step 2: Access Government and Community Support

Australia has a strong safety net, but navigating Centrelink and support programs can still be challenging. It’s worth applying for assistance early, as some approvals can take weeks or even months.

You may be eligible for:

• Carer Payment and Carer Allowance (if a loved one provides ongoing care)
• Disability Support Pension (DSP) (for people unable to work due to illness)
• JobSeeker Payment (if you’re temporarily unable to work)
• Rent Assistance (if you’re renting and receiving Centrelink benefits)
• Concession Cards (Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card)
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) (in specific cases, particularly for long-term functional impairment)

Visit servicesaustralia.gov.au or call 132 717 to speak with a social worker.

Other sources of support:

• Cancer Council’s Financial and Legal Services: 13 11 20
• Redkite (for young adults up to 24)
• Local councils or community groups offering transport or accommodation help

Step 3: Talk to Your Employer Early

A cancer diagnosis can affect your ability to work, especially during intense treatment phases. It’s okay to ask for flexibility, many employers are more supportive than you might expect.

Consider asking about:

• Extended sick leave or personal leave
• The possibility of working part-time or remotely
• Access to any Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Unpaid leave or long service leave
• Options for return-to-work planning after treatment

Know your rights under the Fair Work Act, and reach out to organisations like JobAccess if you need help navigating workplace adjustments.

Step 4: Understand Your Insurance Options

Many Australians forget or don’t realise they may already have insurance policies built into their superannuation. These may include:

• Income protection insurance: Replaces a portion of your income if you can’t work due to illness
• Total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance: Pays a lump sum if you’re unable to return to work permanently
• Life insurance: Often includes early release provisions in case of a terminal diagnosis

Contact your superannuation fund directly to ask about eligibility and how to claim. If you’re unsure where to start, a financial counsellor or cancer social worker can guide you through the process.

Step 5: Keep Medical Costs Manageable

Even with Medicare and a concession card, medical bills can add up fast. But there are ways to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Tips to save:

• Choose bulk-billing providers where possible
• Ask for a treatment summary with item numbers, so you can check what’s covered
• Shop around for pharmacies, prices can vary, especially for non-PBS medications
• Apply for the PBS Safety Net, which reduces the cost of medicines after you reach the threshold
• Enquire about public hospital access to expensive treatments if you’re uninsured
• Ask if your care team offers telehealth appointments to reduce travel time and costs
• Apply for travel and accommodation support if you’re receiving treatment far from home (available through state-based schemes)

For stoma-related needs, the Stoma Appliance Scheme covers most essential supplies.

Step 6: Connect with a Financial Counsellor

Free financial counselling is available through community organisations and cancer charities. A counsellor can help you:

• Negotiate payment plans with creditors
• Apply for utility relief grants or bill waivers
• Understand superannuation and insurance policies
• Prioritise urgent debts and expenses
• Access emergency relief programs

Contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or visit their website for free support.

You can also request financial counselling via the Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 helpline.

Step 7: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

It can be hard to reach out when you’re already feeling vulnerable. But asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are people and organisations ready to support you, even if you feel like you’re falling behind financially.

Ways others can help:

• Friends and family contributing through a crowdfunding platform (e.g., GoFundMe)
• Local community fundraisers, raffles, or social events
• A meal train or grocery support from your network
• Sharing lift responsibilities for appointments
• Checking in regularly so you don’t feel isolated

Also consider reaching out to Bowel Cancer Australia’s Bowel Care Nurses they can provide emotional support, and practical guidance at any stage of the journey.

Financial Stress and Mental Health

Money stress has a massive impact on your emotional wellbeing. Worrying about bills while managing the side effects of treatment can lead to anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

Talking to a psychologist, counsellor, or social worker, especially one familiar with cancer-related challenges, can be a huge relief. Many services are available via telehealth and rebates may apply through Medicare or private health funds.

If you’re in immediate distress, contact:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
• Cancer Council’s Support Line – 13 11 20

Where to Start

If all of this feels like a lot, that’s because it is. The key is to take it one step at a time and lean on available resources. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Start with these actions:

• Speak with a social worker at your treatment centre
• Call 13 11 20 for Cancer Council financial support services
• Contact Bowel Cancer Australia to ask about available grants and referrals
• Review your superannuation fund for any insurance cover
• Use online tools like the Cost of Cancer Calculator

Final Thoughts

Being diagnosed with early-onset bowel cancer is hard enough without financial stress making things worse. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, undergoing active treatment, or managing the long-term costs of survivorship, there are resources and people ready to help ease the load. Make use of every support available, advocate for your needs, and give yourself permission to rest when it all feels like too much.

You deserve support, not just for your health, but for your financial and emotional wellbeing too.