At the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), we know that it takes all of us to take on cancer. And when it comes to caring for people with cancer, it’s often close friends and family who provide the bulk of the daily care.
When a cancer diagnosis costs the average patient and their caregivers $33,000 over their lifetime, it can lead to financial distress. Caregivers often incur out-of-pocket costs related to transportation, medical supplies, and professional services. Additionally, many caregivers must work reduced hours or leave their jobs entirely to accommodate caregiving, which can reduce their employment income and limit future career opportunities. This is especially true for women, who account for 54 per cent of all caregivers, but 64 per cent of those provided 20 hours or more of care per week.
Support through policy
Governments can play a role in reducing the financial burden for caregivers so they can focus on helping their loved one get better. For example, the new federal government can make the Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC) refundable.
The CCC is a non-refundable tax credit designed to assist with the costs associated with caregiving. This means caregivers only get money back from this credit if they pay taxes on their income. But if they must reduce their hours or leave their job to support their caregiving responsibilities, and therefore pay less tax, they do not get as much money back. A refundable credit would give everyone who qualifies the same amount of money back, regardless of how much they pay in taxes.
To learn more about this issue and other steps the government could take to reduce the cost of cancer, and to sign our petition on this topic, go to cancer.ca/costofcancer.
