Financial distress during relocation for treatment of a hematological malignancy: Findings for social work

ABSTRACT

The findings presented in this article are from qualitative research, funded by the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland, which explored the financial impact of relocation for specialist treatment for hematology patients living in Queensland, Australia. The findings describe the factors that contribute to the lack of, or erosion of, a buffer to the financial distress created by diagnosis and relocation for treatment for a hematological malignancy. Individuals vulnerable to financial distress are those who lose or reduce employment, have restricted or no access to work cover or leave (sick, recreation or long service), have limited savings, and who have major repayments (e.g., home and car repayments). A combination of these factors can facilitate a spiral to acute and irreversible financial distress. The implications of the findings to social work are explored.

KEYWORDS:

• Cancer
• financial impact
• hematology
• poverty
• social work

Acknowledgements

The author thanks Mr. Bill Petch, CEO, Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland (LFQ), Mrs. Barbara Hartigan, Director of LFQ Support Services, Ms. Maryanne Skarparis, Support Services Coordinator LFQ, Ms. Kathryn Huntley, Support Services Coordinator LFQ, and Ms. Nicole Rawson for their contribution to the study.

Additional information

Funding

The funding, which in part supported the author to complete the study, was provided by the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland.