The Real Cost of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer
Each year, approximately 200 children/adolescents are diagnosed with cancer. Families and adult survivors face many challenges as a result, not least financial.
Real Cost of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer research
In 2021, the Irish Cancer Society asked Core Research to examine the financial impact of a childhood and adolescent cancer diagnosis. The research involved an online questionnaire and an online community in which parents/guardians and adult survivors could share their experience.
Costs for parents/guardians
Following their child’s diagnosis, parents/guardians reported
- a loss of personal monthly income, an average of €1,280
- medication is a significant expense
- mental health supports are necessary but costly
- costs associated with attending appointments are a significant burden for families as they face a range of costs, including education support, to one-off costs such as wigs and hair pieces
- parents also faced additional day-to-day expenses such as food costs, clothing and mobile data
Costs for adult survivors
Costs reported by adult survivors of childhood/adolescent cancer include the following
- Ongoing medical costs
- Ongoing health impacts
- Impact on access to finance and insurance premiums
- Adverse effects on career or education
The Irish Cancer Society's Children’s Cancer Nurse at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin Hospital one day per week provides free, confidential advice, support and information to anyone affected by a child’s cancer.
We provide a grant of €3,000 for families of children under 18yrs diagnosed with cancer, supporting families with the cost of a cancer diagnosis.
