Discussing Cancer Costs

When you’re sick, your first concern is whether you will get the best treatment available to cure your condition. Your second thought then is: How will I pay for this?
 
If you’re diagnosed with cancer, this money conversation with your doctor will become more important. Oncologists are now being trained to talk to patients about handling the price of cancer treatment, since by some estimates the cost of treating cancer is increasing by 15% every year. This doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily have to choose a less-effective treatment, but you might have to choose one with differing side effects. This CNN article explains that it might be the difference between one treatment for colon cancer that involves losing your hair or paying an extra $60,000 and feeling some tingling in your hands and feet. It doesn’t mean one is necessarily better than the other, but doctors want to make sure you understand the differences.
 
So don’t be surprised if your doctor starts talking dollars and cents when it comes to handling your health diagnosis. The last thing you want to happen is to go bankrupt while you treat yourself. [CNN]