Who is most likely to have money problems during cancer?

Money problems during cancer can affect anyone, but the National Cancer Institute describes several factors that raise the risk of financial toxicity — the money problems related to the cost of care.

The risk can be higher for people with advanced cancer, cancer that has come back, cancer with a poor outlook, more than one cancer, or another chronic illness along with cancer. People treated with both chemotherapy and radiation therapy tend to have higher out-of-pocket costs. A younger age at diagnosis, lower household income, and losing a job also raise the risk. Not having insurance means a high risk, though even people with insurance can have high out-of-pocket costs.

Importantly, this is common and not a personal failing. If some of these factors apply to you, it is a good reason to ask for help early — from your care team, a hospital social worker, or a financial navigator — rather than waiting until bills become overwhelming.