Many people struggle with financial problems, but stress in difficult times can be particularly difficult for families suddenly affected by mesothelioma.
A diagnosis of cancer is never easy, but adding financial stress to the equation can intensify an already delicate situation. The extra stress can even affect the patient's health. Recent research shows cancer patients with limited savings are more likely to experience more severe symptoms and decreased quality of life
Anyone who lives paycheck -. many American families - including the devastating consequences of not having the money to cover mesothelioma treatment costs.
For some people diagnosed with mesothelioma limits the ability to work and support their families. Without income, it is difficult to pay health insurance bills and hospital copays, not to mention the cost of housing, groceries and other essentials.
emergency savings fund should be a necessity. But for many, they are a luxury. I grew up in a middle class family, and we had no savings to the time when my father was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Negative effects of the financial strain on cancer patients
In February 2016, the Journal of Clinical Oncology published a study exploring how strain financial affects symptoms and quality of life for individuals with lung cancer or colon cancer.
After interviewing more than 10,000 patients diagnosed with these cancers, the researchers found 40 percent of lung cancer patients and 33 percent of patients with colon cancer in the study reported have limited financial reserves.
Further investigation revealed the cancer patients who do not have enough savings to fall back on during treatment had a greater burden of symptoms and a lower quality of life.
Some of the problems seen in patients with limited savings include:
- levels of questionable activity
- More pain
- Deeper depression
- Worse overall health
the findings of the study reveal a discouraging link between financial problems and the health of cancer patients. Besides the physical and emotional burden of financial worries, money problems can cause cancer patients to delay treatment or skipping doses of pills to keep their supply of expensive drugs.
People should never have to choose between taking care of their health and to provide for their families. When medical and financial crisis threatens the livelihoods of a family, it is important for patients and caregivers to use all available resources for financial aid.
resources of a cancer patient for financial assistance programs
Locating the right financial resources is crucial for all cancer patients stressed about money. Fortunately, a growing number of cancer treatment centers offer specialized services to people who are struggling with their finances.
cancer centers typically employ social workers who offer a wide range of support services, including guiding cancer patients with essential resources.
Although there are some eligibility for financial assistance, there are a number of programs available for patients and their families the help they need:
- mesothelioma center Advocates patient with mesothelioma center provide patients and families with vital financial resources. They can connect with financial support for travel, accommodation and treatment
- Government programs :. Contact your local health department to find out if you qualify for assistance for living expenses such as food, transport and energy costs.
- Hospital debt relief and forgiveness: The treatment centers usually have financial assistance programs to help patients pay for services. Some offer discounts if patients pay for services up front instead of waiting to get a bill in the mail.
- pharmaceutical programs: Many pharmaceutical companies have programs to help patients pay for medicine. They can cover the entire cost of an order or provide the drug at a reduced rate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist to see if there are programs for the drugs you take.
- Support Organizations Private cancer support organizations and nonprofits provide valuable resources for families struggling with the cost of cancer treatment and the expenses of everyday life . CancerCare, for example, has an excellent guide to help cancer patients take control of their finances.
From the experience of my family with financial difficulties related to mesothelioma, I can tell you that the battle is not easy. The same worries that weighed my family are in the minds of many.
However, there are countless resources available that can help relieve some of the financial burden. With that of the road, you can focus on what is really important: Your health and your family.
