Fighting cancer requires strength, perseverance, and… money. Even if the treatment is covered by the National Health Insurance Fund, the patient still incurs additional costs of cancer treatment. These costs can significantly exceed the monthly income of the patient and their loved ones. Nor can we forget about daily bills and providing for the family. Find out how much cancer treatment costs and what hidden oncology expenses a patient must be prepared for.

Free cancer treatment and the financial burden on patients

Thanks to health insurance, many patients in Poland can access free cancer treatments. Unfortunately, despite the availability of treatments funded by the National Health Fund (NFZ), most patients still face financial pressure and worry about how to pay for their treatment. Why? There are three main reasons for this situation.

• Not all cancer treatments and medications are covered by insurance. Modern treatments often require private funding. We’re talking about amounts ranging from a few thousand to even tens of thousands of zlotys a month—or more. These are sums that are beyond the reach of most of us.
• A cancer diagnosis often forces the patient or the caregiver of a sick child to stop working. A reduction in family income puts loved ones at risk of financial insecurity and can even lead to unpaid bills or unmet basic needs for family members. No one should have to choose between treatment and buying fuel for the winter.
• Every patient has to cover the additional costs of cancer treatment. That amounts to hundreds or even thousands of zlotys a month.

One solution to this problem is fundraising for cancer patients —the funds raised help cover the costs of the patient’s treatment and rehabilitation. This allows them to focus on their recovery without worrying about whether they can afford medication, food, or transportation to the hospital. Given the hidden costs associated with cancer treatment today, organizing a fundraiser is a sensible decision that benefits the patient’s entire family.

What are the additional costs associated with cancer?

The most common hidden costs associated with cancer treatment are the expenses related to travel for treatment.

Many patients are forced to travel to distant cities for medical examinations and treatments. The cost of private transportation—whether by car, taxi, or public transit—can amount to thousands of zlotys over the course of treatment. Traveling by private vehicle also often requires paying for parking at the hospital or clinic.

Hidden costs of cancer treatment also include accommodation fees —for the patient or their caregiver.

Some patients who do not require hospitalization during treatment may be eligible for free accommodation at a hotel or hostel that has an agreement with the hospital. However, not all facilities have such an agreement, and accommodation is not always available. It is also worth noting that a patient’s caregiver staying at the hostel must pay for their own stay.

Another hidden cost associated with cancer treatment is the dietary regimen.

The monthly cost of feeding a cancer patient can average several hundred zlotys, though this amount is usually higher. Many people struggle with a loss of appetite during treatment and must take specialized nutritional supplements, either to supplement their diet or as their sole source of nutrition. The cost of a single bottle of such a supplement averages around a dozen or so zlotys. A patient may need between 1 and 5, or even 7, bottles of the supplement per day. The diet of a cancer patient who does not require nutritional supplements may also need to be modified. Processed foods should be replaced with high-quality meat, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.

Additional costs associated with cancer treatment—clothing, rehabilitation equipment, home care, etc.

The list of hidden costs associated with cancer treatment could be much longer. Most patients lose weight and need to replace their wardrobe.

A parent who is ill may need help taking care of the children and pets, as well as managing the household.

The treatment and rehabilitation of patients involve hidden oncology-related expenses, such as the purchase of wigs, rehabilitation equipment, hygiene and orthopedic products, and special undergarments for women who have undergone a mastectomy. The financial assistance provided by the National Health Fund (NFZ) usually does not cover the full cost of these purchases.

How much does cancer rehabilitation cost?

The average cost of a visit to a physical therapist is 200 PLN. The final amount depends on the location, the methods and duration of treatment, and the specialist’s experience. A private trip to a health resort costs several thousand zlotys. To these amounts must also be added the purchase of, for example, home rehabilitation equipment, prosthetics, and ostomy bags. The total cost places a significant burden on the patient’s budget, which is already strained by cancer treatment.

Additional consultations

Many patients have to undergo some consultations and tests privately in order to speed up the diagnosis and start treatment. They may also need to see a clinical dietitian, psychologist, or physical therapist. These are additional costs associated with cancer treatment that put a strain on the budget right from the start of the battle for health.

Hidden cancer-related expenses and motivation for treatment

A patient who cannot cover the costs of treatment often loses the motivation to fight. They fear being a burden on their family, and their mental state deteriorates. At Cancer Fighters, we remind ourselves every day that the fight against cancer is a shared struggle. Launching a fundraising campaign for treatment is a decision worth making for the sake of your own well-being and that of your loved ones. Securing the financial resources needed for the patient’s treatment and rehabilitation allows them to stop worrying about their family’s livelihood and focus on what matters most: the fight for their health.

Check out: what the funds raised can be used for.

Wondering how to choose a cancer foundation? Contact us and see what we can do for you!