Kelowna 
A new report from the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has revealed the significant financial burden of cancer on patients and caregivers in Canada. The findings show that the average cancer patient incurs nearly $33,000 in expenses over their lifetime, including out-of-pocket costs and lost income.
Credit: Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Statistics: A 2024 Special Report underscores the financial toll of cancer, estimating the total cost for patients and caregivers in 2024 to reach $7.5 billion, or 20% of Canada’s total cancer costs. This figure is projected to rise to $8.8 billion annually over the next decade due to population growth and aging.
The report, developed in collaboration with Statistics Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, utilized the OncoSim microsimulation tool to analyze the economic impact of cancer. Dr. Jennifer Gillis, CCS’s Director of Surveillance, emphasized the inequity of these costs, stating, “Cancer comes with an incredibly high price tag… this data compels us to ask what more can be done to support Canadians at a time when their focus should be on health and recovery.”
The financial impact of cancer is unevenly distributed, disproportionately affecting those with lower incomes, individuals on fixed incomes, and residents of rural or remote areas who face higher travel costs for treatment. Recent data from MNP Ltd. shows over 50% of Canadians have less than $200 left monthly after bills, making unexpected medical expenses devastating.
The CCS calls on governments to alleviate the financial strain by reducing drug costs, offering tax credits for caregivers, improving job-protected leave, and expanding travel and accommodation support. Dr. Stuart Edmonds, CCS Executive VP of Mission, Research, and Advocacy, emphasized the systemic nature of the issue, urging collective action.
Credit: Canadian Cancer Society
In 2024, 45% of Canadians (1 in 2.2) are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, totalling 247,100 new cases. Among males, 45% (127,100 cases) are projected, while 44% (120,000 cases) are anticipated among females. The most commonly diagnosed cancers include lung and bronchus (13%, 32,100 cases), breast (12%, 30,800 cases), prostate (11%, 27,900 cases), and colorectal (10%, 25,200 cases). These four cancers are expected to comprise 46% of all diagnoses in 2024, reflecting the widespread impact of cancer across the population.
Cancer is projected to cause 88,100 deaths in Canada, affecting 24% of males (47,300 deaths) and 21% of females (40,800 deaths). Lung and bronchus cancer lead mortality at 23% (20,700 deaths), followed by colorectal (11%, 9,400 deaths), pancreas (7%, 6,100 deaths), and breast cancer (6%, 5,500 deaths). These four cancers will collectively account for 47% of all cancer-related deaths in Canada.
The report estimates total cancer-related societal costs in 2024 at $37.7 billion, with health systems bearing $30.2 billion. Notably, lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers account for nearly half of these expenses.
