Oral Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Personalised care beyond treatment: Opportunities to address the financial toxicity of childhood cancer (145896)

Axelle Marjolin 1 2 , Shelley Dennis 1 , Jennifer Cohen 2 3 , Natalie Bradford 4 , Ursula Sansom-Daly 2 , Jordana McLoone 2 , Kate Cantrell 5 , Louisa Collins 6 , Rhiannon Edge 1 2
  1. Redkite, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
  2. UNSW Sydney, Sydney
  3. Canteen, Sydney
  4. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
  5. University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba
  6. Cancer Council Queensland, Fortitude Valley

Aims

Childhood cancer negatively impacts parents’ financial and employment circumstances. Yet, evidence of the scale, duration and psychosocial impacts of these challenges remains limited in Australia. Taking a comprehensive approach to assessing the financial toxicity of childhood cancer, this research begins to address this gap. This work is crucial for ensuring appropriate service provision that meets the unique needs of this cohort.

Methods

The study consisted of a cross-sectional survey of parents of children diagnosed with cancer (n=459), with a nested qualitative component (n=9). Quantitative data were reported by treatment stage and years since diagnosis using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were thematically analysed.

Results

Findings revealed families incurred, on average, $33,000 in cancer-related out-of-pocket costs following diagnosis (n=168). Parents also reported substantial employment disruption and income loss, often extending into survivorship or bereavement. Among respondents whose child was diagnosed at least five years earlier, over half had not returned to pre-diagnosis employment (53%, n=87) or income levels (56%, n=89).

This economic burden also had psychosocial consequences. 82% of respondents (n=395) experienced moderate to severe financial stress in the last 12 months. Almost all (97%, n=395) said the economic burden contributed to emotional distress and anxiety, 82% (n=391) reported that it contributed to increased tension with their partner, and 84% (n=388) indicated that it had impacted their children. Findings also revealed shortcomings in existing support systems, with 27% (n=282) reporting that Centrelink had been of no help to their situation, while 20% (n=267) reported the same for employer-provided benefits.

Conclusions

Reducing the financial toxicity of childhood cancer requires stronger employment protections, fit-for-purpose government assistance, and sustained investment in community-based psychosocial support. Recognising financial support as a vital component of cancer care ensures personalised support extends beyond clinical treatment and addresses the needs of the whole family.