Economic Consequences of Late Effects

Abstract

Late effects of cancer treatment can have economic consequences on patients and their families. The reduction in employment opportunities is directly related to the type of cancer and treatment received. Patients undergoing combinations of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy experience far greater employment opportunities when compared to those patients surviving after having only single modality therapy. Employment status also can be influenced by social support provided by governments with patient's living in countries with more liberal social support not feeling as much pressure when compared to patients living in countries with very little support. In addition to reduced employment potential, survivors with late effects of cancer therapy will also require additional treatment to treat the late effects thereby increasing the cost of care. This too is also dependent upon type of cancer and treatment received.