In a previous article written about doctors advocating for pharmaceutical companies to lower the cost of some cancer drugs, statistics from a study found that thirty percent of cancer patients were “significantly burdened” by medical expenses. Another eleven percent called it a “catastrophic problem”.
Mesothelioma patients are faced with several challenges after they are diagnosed. From decisions about where to receive medical care to options of treatment and coping methods, patients realize the financial aspect is another significant stressor.
In a recent study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, researchers found that cancer patients were likely to go bankrupt than those without cancer. Bankruptcy rates were two to five times higher among younger patients compared to those over sixty-five years old.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the cost of cancer care in the United States is expected to rise from an estimated $125 billion in 2010 to $158 billion by the year 2020. For now, patients are left to end treatments early or continue to accumulate debt until they find a solution to cover their bills.
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SOURCE: Meredith, Nancy. “Mesothelioma Patients Face Risk of Bankruptcy.” Mesothelioma Help. MesotheliomaHelp.net, 4 June 2013. Web. 10 June 2013. <https://www.mesotheliomahelp.net/blog/2013/06/mesothelioma-patients-face-risk-of-bankruptcy>.
PHOTO CREDIT: 401 (K) 2013