A cancer diagnosis can also be a ‘financial double-whammy.’ Here’s what advocates want to change [Video]

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A quarter of a million Canadians are diagnosed with cancer every year.

When that happens, says Stephen Piazza, director of advocacy for the Canadian Cancer Society, people need to focus on their treatment plan and telling family members — not budgeting for medical expenses.

“The last thing you need is to then think about how do I balance my chequebook this month?” said Piazza.

But a survey conducted for the society suggested about one in five cancer patients found it difficult to pay household expenses, and 40 per cent saw their retirement savings suffer.

People accessing cancer care may struggle to afford everyday housing or rent increases on top of new costs related to treatment.

While many …