Financial challenges of living with lung cancer

When there is uncertainty and change occurring all around you, it seems like there are very few things you have control over.  Dealing with the physical challenges can leave you feeling like you have very little energy to think about plans for the future. However, starting to prepare and plan for the potential financial challenges associated with lung cancer will help take the pressure off you and your loved ones later.  

Career 

If you are in the workforce, your career is another aspect of your life that can be significantly affected when you are diagnosed with lung cancer.  Appointments, treatment schedules or feeling unwell may require you to take personal leave on numerous days.   You may find there are parts of your work you can no longer do.  Discussing your ongoing needs with your employer can help them to plan and make adjustments as you navigate managing your health.  Be honest and realistic about your needs and find out how much flexibility is possible to accommodate appointments and your current capacity. You may be worried telling your employer about what is happening for you and how this might impact your employment. The following links provide information related to protection from dismissal, discrimination and flexible working arrangements: 

• Long periods of sick leave 
  • Under the Fair Work Act, employees who can provide evidence of their illness are protected from being dismissed if they are away for less than 3 consecutive months or less than 3 months over a year, or still using paid sick leave.  
• Workplace discrimination 
  • Different states have anti-discrimination laws that make it unlawful to treat a worker less favourably because of a physical or mental illness or condition, or to make a requirement that is more difficult for the person  
• Requests for flexible working arrangements 
  • Employees can request flexible working arrangements to help accommodate their illness and attend appointments and treatments. 

Discuss with your employer what might be possible and if you have access to a human resources department, they can provide you with information. Cancer Council also have information on support services available for these types of discussions.   

If you are towards the end of your working life, you may be forced to consider early retirement.  Decisions around unexpected early retirement or sudden adjustments to your employment are hard to make and can lead to feeling flat and low as your self-esteem takes a hit.  

Whilst you may need to retire earlier than planned, there may be options to consider other jobs in a part time capacity with flexible working arrangements to utilise your capability.  Volunteering may be another option to stay connected.  Cancer Council have information available around  income options when living with cancer.

Financial Concerns   

You may be worried about how changes in your working capacity, early retirement or the cost of treatment will impact your finances.

Depending on your situation, you may need to adjust to a reduced income and extra costs, and you may also find that your financial plans and goals will change.

Talking to a financial advisor or your accountant, might be a good first step in thinking about your future financial needs. If you have a mortgage, speak to your bank about potential arrangements you may need into the future.  Cancer Council has programs available to address financial planning and advise on workplace processes when you need to let work know about your diagnosis. If you are experiencing financial stress and you are concerned about covering the cost of your expenses and loan repayments, you can contact the National Debt Helpline.  They offer trained financial counsellors to who can discuss your circumstances and provide you with free advice.

Services Australia will be able to provide information on government payment options, application processes and eligibility for payments.  Accessing payments that you may be eligible for will involve some planning and require you to supply relevant information which can take time to collate, so it is a good idea to also start this process sooner rather than later.  Don’t get discouraged when you need go back and provide more information as requested by Services Australia or other government agencies.  Where possible, try and book a face-to-face appointment by contacting your local Services Australia/Centrelink office and inquiring about the availability of in-person appointments. Each state and territory government will also have cost of living concessions for which you may be eligible, including energy, utilities and transport.  

A reduction in income or uncertainty about your earning capacity can be an area of significant concern for you. Planning your finances early and finding out what is available to you may help allay any financial stress and let you focus on your well-being.