COVID-19 Crisis Survey Results
New Survey Reflects Additional Financial Challenges Breast Cancer Patients Face Amid COVID-19 Crisis and Effects on Treatment
A breast cancer diagnosis can destroy the financial health and well-being of the patient and their family. While in active treatment, many patients are unable to work and experience a loss of income that can result in catastrophic financial losses and the need to rebuild financial health. This is known as financial toxicity; the emotional, mental and physically debilitating — and often life-threatening — financial side effects and burdens induced by cancer treatment. Because of our position in the breast cancer community, we are committed to the broader issues.
We work alongside trusted organizations to continually assess patient needs and to raise awareness of patient barriers, so we can drive the conversations needed to remove them. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, we surveyed over 350 breast cancer patients in active treatment during the pandemic and the following is a result of the completed entries.
These alarming statistics reflect that the effects of financial toxicity have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. There is an increased demand for financial support for breast cancer patients at this time, and as a result, our mission has become increasingly important. We are focused on working tirelessly to drive fundraising and awareness to our organization so we can provide resources and relief to the breast cancer community amidst this unprecedented crisis.
Key Findings
Have you had the following in the last 6 weeks: mastectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation?
- 29% of respondents have undergone mastectomy within the last 6 weeks.
- 75% of respondents have undergone chemotherapy within the last 6 weeks.
- 33% of respondents have undergone radiation within the last 6 weeks.
Are you currently able to work and have clearance from your doctor to work during the COVID-19 crisis?
- 100% of respondents are currently unable to work and do not have clearance from their doctors to work during the COVID-19 crisis.
Have you been laid off or terminated because of the COVID-19 crisis?
- 27% of respondents are out of work because they are non-essential workers.
- 16% of respondents have been laid off or terminated due to the COVID-19 crisis because their employers are concerned that they are immunocompromised.
- 47% of respondents are no longer working because they are concerned about contracting the COVID-19 virus while in active treatment.
- 20% of respondents have decided to take FMLA (Family and Medical Leave) as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
- 21% of respondents have been laid off or terminated because of the COVID-19 crisis and have applied for unemployment benefits.
Are you concerned about the financial impact of not being able to work and if it will mean you will not complete treatment as prescribed?
- 78% of respondents are concerned about the financial impact of not being able to work and if it will mean they will not complete treatment as prescribed.
Would you be interested in speaking with a financial navigator?
- 69% of respondents are interested in speaking with a financial navigator.
*results as of 06.09.20