Early-Stage and Advanced Cancers Lead to Rising Out-of-Pocket Expenses for Patients

Patients encounter substantial out-of-pocket expenses following an initial cancer diagnosis, with costs escalating alongside the disease's stage at detection, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers from Stanford University analyzed data from 46,158 privately insured individuals under 65, including those diagnosed with breast, colorectal, and lung cancers at various stages. The study revealed that, on average, patients faced an additional $592.53 in monthly costs for six months post-diagnosis. Notably, the financial burden increased progressively with cancer stage—from approximately $462 to nearly $720 per month from early to advanced stages. The findings highlight the importance of supportive policies, such as paid sick leave, to ensure insurance continuity and provide financial aid, particularly for those with advanced cancer.