Duke University Medical Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reported some scary findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology this morning.

A joint study shows that “Even when covered by health insurance, cancer patients face mounting out-of-pocket expenses that force some some to avoid filling prescriptions, skip doctor appointments and scale back on food and other necessities.”

Researchers surveyed patients, all but one of whom had insurance coverage, and 83% had prescription drug coverage.  Even with health insurance, out-of-pocket expenses averaged $712 a month for doctor visit co-pays, prescriptions medicines, lost wages, travel to appointments and other expenses.

Participants said these expenses presented a significant burden to 30% of study participants and a catastrophic problems for 11%.  Often, this problem leads participants to make treatment choices based on financial burden.  Participants reported not filling prescriptions, rationing medications, skipping treatment appointments, and opting out of recommended tests.

The idea of patients having to decide whether they can afford to follow through on treatment is scary and it is GiveForward’s goal to empower the community to come together and show their support so that no patient ever has to make that kind of decision.

If you are interested in starting a fundraiser to help someone you know avoid this situation, click here.