Stress and worry created by a childhood cancer diagnosis can increase with financial concerns. The impact on a family can create a financial burden that cannot be anticipated. The parents of children diagnosed with cancer can experience a sudden decrease or loss of income, personal and medical along with travel and food expenses increase, and inadequate insurance coverage or no insurance coverage that can create a significant financial strain.

Studies indicate that even families that have full health insurance may spend 25 percent or more of their income on co-payments and items not covered by insurance. Families without insurance or insufficient insurance may face severe difficulties that can potentially exhaust their savings and even put them at risk of losing their home. However, local and national organizations are available to assist with a variety of resources so that major hardships might be avoided

Financial and emotional difficulties associated with a childhood cancer diagnosis can be hard to accept . Some families may feel uncomfortable accepting assistance, but most families need extra support during this time of extreme crisis. Most people want to know what they can do to help, but need guidance on how to give support. Telling others what is needed benefits everyone. Financial assistance for a child with cancer can make a difference by taking care of gas, meals or a few nights’ lodging. Embracing the financial burden can reduce overall stress on the family, while providing opportunities for others to help in an otherwise helpless situation.

Cancer can impose heavy economic burdens on both patients and their families. Government-sponsored programs as well as services supported by nonprofit, national organizations are available for families who do not have health insurance and for those who have insurance but need more financial assistance to cover health care costs. Child cancer patients and their families need to discuss any concerns about health care costs with their doctor, medical social worker, or the business office of their hospital or clinic.

Programs providing general assistance like food, housing, and other services may also be available from the county or city Department of Social Services

For more childhood cancer financial assistance information visit Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Inc.