The costs to the health services of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer are substantial. These costs have increased over the past decades and are expected to rise further in coming years with population ageing and advances in treatment. However, the economic burden of cancer does not fall only on the health services, but also on patients, their families, and society as a whole. Until recently, little has been known about the costs incurred by cancer patients and their families. This project set out to answer the following questions: • What are the main elements of additional cost (medical and non-medical) incurred by cancer patients and their families? • How much additional expense do patients incur as a result of their diagnosis with cancer? • What impact does cancer have on income (e.g. lost pay, availability of sick pay, access to benefits)? • What proportion of patients (a) incur additional costs or (b) experience financial difficulties as a result of their cancer diagnosis? • Are particular groups of patients more vulnerable to incurring additional costs or financial difficulties as a result of having cancer? • What are the consequences of the additional expenses, and any changes in income, for patients and their families?

Supported by the Irish Cancer Society. With the support of: Harry Comber, Director, National Cancer Registry (NCR) Noeleen Donnelly, Human Resources Manager, Irish Cancer Society (ICS) Joan Kelly, Nursing Services Manager, ICS Mairéad Lyons, Head of Services, ICS John McCormack, Chief Executive, ICS Niamh Ni Chonghaile, Financial Controller, ICS Eileen O’Donnell, Oncology Social Worker, St Vincent's Hospital Olwyn Ryan, Patient Support Services Manager, ICS