Aims: This research explored the real-time financial impacts of childhood cancer on Australian families during the period of significant cost-of-living increases between 2022 and 2024.
Methods: Self-reported administrative data collected from families through Redkite’s Financial Assistance Program (FAP) was analysed between 1 January 2022 and 30 Jun 2024 (n=2,827 assessment records). Data included information about families’ out-of-pocket expenses and financial scenarios experienced following a childhood cancer diagnosis.
Results: Common financial scenarios reported across the study period included families’ needing to seek help from friends and family (71%) and not being able to respond to a utility bill on time (66%). A further 60% reported being unable to respond to a large, unexpected bill and 51% were experiencing psychological or social factors impacting their ability to pay for essentials. Increases were observed between 2022 and 2024 in the proportion of families that reported being unable to address safety issues with their car or homes and regularly going without meals.
Conclusion: The financial challenges for Australian families navigating childhood cancer have been compounded by the recent cost-of-living pressures. Further investment in financial support interventions that keep pace with inflation is needed to address the unique challenges families face in the context of childhood cancer.