Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Lost Opportunities, Lasting Costs: Financial impacts and future support needs of Adolescents and Young Adults impacted by Cancer (146052)

Jennifer Cohen 1 2 , Jasmine Micklem 1 , Rhiannon Edge 2 3 , Axelle Marjolin 2 3 , Jordana McLoone 2 4 , Ursula Sansom-Daly 2 4 , Xiomara Skrabal Ross 1 5
  1. Canteen, Australia, Newtown, NSW, Australia
  2. School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW, Randwick, NSW, Australia
  3. Redkite, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
  5. Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Q'ld, Australia

Aims: Cancer-related financial toxicity adversely affects physical and psychological wellbeing and influences healthcare decision-making, leading to poorer health outcomes. This paper explores contemporary experiences of Australian adolescents and young adults (AYA) impacted by their own or a family member’s cancer.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was completed by 141 AYAs aged 16-25 years (mean age 20 years) impacted by their own or a family member’s cancer diagnosis. Measures assessed financial impacts (direct/indirect costs), financial distress (subjective financial-related stress) and financial toxicity (the cumulative economic and psychosocial burden), financial support utilisation and unmet support needs.

Results: Financial impacts were substantial, with more than one-quarter reporting direct out-of-pocket treatment costs exceeding AUD$2,000, in addition to travel and meal expenses. Indirect impacts included delayed or paused education (50%), missed study time (53%), reduced work hours (32%), and job loss (32% of AYAs with cancer). These impacts contributed to reported income reductions attributable to cancer for 31% of AYAs with cancer, 44% affected by family cancer, and 63% of bereaved young people. Financial distress affected 57% of participants, while concerns about family financial stability were reported by 35% of AYAs with cancer and 57% affected by family cancer. Financial toxicity was reported by 57% of AYAs with cancer, 55% affected by family cancer, and 68% of bereaved young people. Strategies to cope with financial challenges included drawing on savings (42%) and seeking money from family and friends (23%).  Key unmet needs included assistance accessing financial support, managing education and employment-related costs, and achieving personal life goals.

Conclusions: Cancer-related financial burdens impact Australian AYA’s health, employment, education and wellbeing during treatment and well beyond treatment. Financial assistance programs with financial navigation, and educational and vocational support could play a crucial role in improving cancer care and outcomes in Australia.