Background: While survival rates for childhood cancer continue to improve, the financial burden on families remains severe and often unseen. The impacts extend well beyond medical costs, encompassing the loss of employment and income, significant travel and accommodation costs, and long-term caregiving expenses. Whilst the financial toxicity of paediatric cancer is well evidenced, limited research exists for families with the most acute financial needs.
Aims: Using data from a national financial assistance program delivered by Redkite - an Australian childhood cancer charity - this research investigates the financial impacts of paediatric cancer, focusing on families that were identified by Redkite as having high financial needs.
Methods: A retrospective deductive qualitative analysis of 224 high need financial assistance applications approved by Redkite in 2024 was conducted. Emerging themes and common financial scenarios experienced by these families were identified, and subsequently quantified.
Results: Over three quarters (78%) of the approved high need financial assistance applicants were existing on either one part-time income, no household income or their only income was from Centrelink. Additionally, 41% of the approved high need applicants were single parents, and 49% had unpaid essential bills valued over $2000 or had escalating debts over $5000. A high proportion (42%) were experiencing food insecurity and 15% were at risk of eviction or homelessness. Alarmingly, many applicants were dealing with multiple financial stressors, intensifying the overall economic hardship they were experiencing.
Conclusion: The financial impacts of childhood cancer are profound and multifaceted and future supportive care strategies need to integrate financial toxicity as a core component. Investment and access to non-clinical support, along with improved coordination between health services and community organisations are essential.