Summary
Pancreatic cancer in Canada brings two heavy realities at once: the impact on health and the strain on finances. In 2025, an estimated 7,100 Canadians will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, making it the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the country, with about 6,300 lives lost, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Beyond treatment, many Canadians and their families quickly face financial pressure. Research shows that people living with cancer spend an average of $33,000 out of pocket over their lifetime, and for those affected by pancreatic cancer, as much as 20% of treatment-related costs are not covered by Canada’s public healthcare system. These costs often include travel to treatment centres, prescription medications, time away from work, and caregiving expenses, as reported by Global News.
When treatment involves months of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, these expenses add up quickly. For many families, financial stress becomes another layer of uncertainty—one that can influence daily decisions, employment stability, and overall well-being during an already overwhelming time.
This guide is designed to help. It outlines the financial support options available across Canada, including government benefits, charitable grants, and non-profit programs, so Canadians affected by pancreatic cancer can spend less time worrying about costs and more time focusing on care and support.
Why Financial Support Matters: The Hidden Cost of Pancreatic Cancer
The Real Cost Behind the Diagnosis
Pancreatic cancer does not only affect health—it places serious financial strain on Canadians and their families. This strain, often called financial toxicity, can shape everyday decisions, affect treatment plans, and add stress during an already overwhelming time.
Research shows that nearly three in ten people living with pancreatic cancer delay or skip parts of their treatment because of cost, according to findings published in the National Library of Medicine. Across all cancer types, 41% of Canadians report cutting back on basic household spending, and that number rises to more than half of families earning under $50,000 a year, based on Canadian cancer cost studies shared through the National Institutes of Health.
For those facing pancreatic cancer specifically, the financial pressure is often sustained. Research shows that nearly one in five patients experience severe financial strain throughout treatment, while more than half live with ongoing moderate financial stress, according to peer-reviewed data published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
These pressures are not abstract. They show up in difficult choices—whether to travel for care, take unpaid time off work, or manage mounting costs while trying to focus on treatment and recovery.
Where You Live Matters: Provincial Cost Differences
Where someone lives in Canada can greatly affect how much they pay out of pocket. Travel distance, accommodation needs, and time away from work can create uneven access to care across provinces.
| Province | 28-Day Travel Costs | Total Out-of-Pocket Costs (28 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $294 | $3,702 |
| Ontario | Varies | Higher overall costs |
| British Columbia | $67 | Lower overall costs |
| Manitoba | Lower | $1,605 |
| National Average | $179 | $2,514 |
These estimates include treatment-related expenses, parking, travel, and lost income for both patients and caregivers, based on Canadian cost-of-cancer research published through the National Library of Medicine.
Part 1: Federal Government Support Programs
While federal programs offer some assistance, many pancreatic cancer patients find them inadequate for the full scope of their needs. Understanding eligibility criteria and timelines is essential, as delays in approval can coincide with critical treatment windows.
Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits
Program Details:
- Maximum Duration: Up to 26 weeks of income replacement (55% of eligible earnings)
- Eligibility: Must be employed and have paid EI premiums; face a temporary illness affecting work ability
- Application Process: Submit medical documentation; Service Canada processes claims
- Limitations: 26 weeks often expires before treatment completion; excludes self-employed individuals and gig workers
Why It Falls Short:
Pancreatic cancer treatment protocols frequently extend beyond 26 weeks. Patients undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and recovery may require 6-12 months or longer away from work. Once EI benefits expire, families face income loss during the most medically intensive phase.
Link: Service Canada EI Sickness Benefits
Compassionate Care Benefits
Pan Canadian caregivers can access Compassionate Care Benefits to support themselves while looking after a loved one facing a serious illness. The program offers up to 26 weeks per year of financial support, replacing 55% of income, similar to Employment Insurance (EI). To qualify, caregivers must be employed, have paid EI premiums, and provide medical certification showing their family member has a prognosis of expected death within six months.
While helpful in theory, the “within six months” requirement often leaves families without support. Many people living with pancreatic cancer survive beyond this window but still rely heavily on caregivers. Families caring for patients in months 7–18 of treatment often receive no assistance, despite caregivers frequently leaving work entirely.
Learn more about Compassionate Care Benefits
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits
The CPP Disability program provides a monthly income based on a person’s contribution history (average $1,154/month in 2024) for Canadians aged 18–64 with a severe and prolonged disability. Applicants must demonstrate that their condition prevents employment at any substantial occupational level. Processing typically takes 4–6 months, with appeals sometimes extending beyond a year.
For pancreatic cancer patients, this timeline can be prohibitive. The program also requires proof of permanent disability, which can be challenging for those pursuing treatment or whose prognosis is aggressive but not immediately terminal.
Learn more about CPP Disability Benefits
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
The Medical Expense Tax Credit provides a non-refundable federal tax credit equal to 15% of eligible medical expenses above 3% of net income. Eligible expenses include prescription medications, approved medical devices, and certain therapies. Families claim the credit on their annual tax return, meaning relief is often delayed until the following tax year.
Limitations make the METC less helpful for many families:
- Non-refundable: Low-income households may receive minimal benefit.
- Delayed relief: Funds aren’t available during active treatment.
- Cumulative threshold: Families must spend at least 3% of net income before claiming—e.g., a household earning $40,000 must spend $1,200+ on eligible expenses before any benefit applies.
Learn more about the Medical Expense Tax Credit
Programs by Province
Patient and Family Support Fund
The Cancer Care Foundation in Newfoundland offers short-term financial assistance for patients for treatment-related expenses like meals, accommodations and transport. They also may provide funding for costs associated with wigs, prosthetic and other equipment.
Contact: +1 (709) 777-7604
The Heather Cutler Foundation’s ‘Port to Care’ Patient Grant
Launching in August 2025, the Port to Care grant provides $500 in travel relief for eligible Canadians living with pancreatic cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador. This grant is aimed at alleviating part of the financial stress for those in rural and remote areas of Atlantic Canada who must travel to access treatment.
Craig‘s Cause Patient Financial Assistance Support Grant
Provided in the amount of $500/$1000 financial grant, eligibility and amount is determined by board of directors within thirty days from application.
The goal of our Patient Financial Support Grants™, is to provide financial aid to pancreatic cancer patients experiencing financial challenges, during their pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Grants are provided to patients who are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and who meet the criteria for this program.
Hope Air
Providing more than 20,000 travel arrangements in 2023 alone, Hope Air is a nationally registered charity that gets patients to specialized appointments or surgeries. Through free flights and travel arrangements, the charity enables Canadians to connect with medical facilities and resources that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
Their mission is rooted in the simple belief that healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or financial status.
Rainy Day Fund | Shine Through the Rain Foundation
The Rainy Day Fund provided by Shine Through the Rain Foundation offers financial assistance to Canadians undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses. The fund helps cover essential living expenses, such as utilities, rent, groceries, and transportation costs, with a maximum of $1,500 per year per family.
Applications must be submitted by a healthcare professional like a social worker or nurse, and the program prioritizes urgent needs. The assistance is provided directly to service providers, ensuring patients can maintain a stable living environment during treatment.
We encourage patients and their families to explore the financial support options available above. Remember that each program has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
We will review periodically programs that are available and will update this page as needed. If you need assistance navigating these resources or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the Heather Cutler Foundation.