All.Can Patient Survey

‘My husband has cancer, and he’s self-employed (no work means no money). I was denied paid leave (I’m a caregiver). I can’t take unpaid leave (no work means no money).’ Respondent from Italy ‘I have no family nearby and my husband’s employers were not understanding. He had to take unpaid leave to take me for treatment and tests, and visit me during surgery and recovery. This not only caused financial strain but added to stress as he could have lost his job due to absences.’ Respondent from the United Kingdom Why it matters Although many cancer patients are able to return to work after their care, this is not the case for all. Lost productivity due to cancer is estimated to cost €52 billion per year in the EU. 74 People surviving cancer are 1.4 times more likely to be unemployed and three times more likely to receive disability benefits than the general population. 75 Based on the French VICAN 2 study, 22% of those aged 18–57 reported losing their job when their cancer was diagnosed, rising to 92% 15 months after diagnosis. 69 A study in the United Kingdom found that almost one in three people living with cancer (30%) had a loss of income as a result of their diagnosis and lost £860 a month on average. A third of people (33%) stopped working permanently or temporarily. 70 These data underline the need for social policies that protect patients from financial insecurity during and after their cancer care. 53 Patient insights on cancer care: opportunities for improving efficiency