Research has shown time and again that work is good for one's health, not only because of the income, but it provides a sense of identity and purpose when going through a challenging time. Additionally for cancer patients, the social interaction can be beneficial to provide a needed sense of normalcy. A recent study in Australia of 255 cancer patients showed that 67% changed their employment after cancer and household income reduced for 63% after diagnosis , a clear indication of the profound impact on a patient's ability to work.

Though this impact of cancer treatment costs on patients and families is increasingly recognized throughout the world, the indirect effect of a patient being unable to work has attracted much less attention. It's getting more and more important for doctors to have conversations with their patients regarding the long-term impact of cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy.

For more on the important but under-discussed implications of cancer, click here.