The cost of breast and ovarian cancer

ARTICLE
26 June 2025 dot 3 min read
Breast and ovarian cancers are among the most common and challenging health conditions affecting Australian women. While Australia’s public health system is designed to provide universal access to care, the reality is that both the public and private systems come with costs and burdens-many of which extend beyond hospital walls and deeply impact families. 

The financial cost of cancer care

Breast cancer

In Australia's public healthcare system, breast cancer treatment is primarily covered under Medicare. Eligible citizens generally receive treatment at no or low out-of-pocket cost, particularly when treated in public hospitals. Medicare fully covers approved procedures in public hospitals and reimburses 75% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee for services accessed in the private sector [1].
 
However, public patients may not be able to choose their treating doctor and could face waiting times, although breast cancer is typically prioritised for timely treatment [2].
Private health insurance can offer greater flexibility, including the ability to choose your treating specialist, access to shorter waiting times, and private room accommodation [3]. Nevertheless, out-of-pocket expenses can vary significantly depending on the insurance policy, level of coverage, and treatment type [4].
 
In 2015-16, breast cancer accounted for the highest health system expenditure among all cancer types in Australia, totalling $1.056 billion, including $269 million allocated to screening programs [5]. 

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of death from cancer among females in Australia [6].  In the first year following diagnosis, the mean excess cost per case has been estimated at $40,556, with substantial expenses continuing during both the ongoing care and terminal phases.
 
Nationally, the total direct health services cost of ovarian cancer in 2013 was approximately $99 million, based on an estimated 4,700 affected women [7].
 
In Australia, the total economic burden of ovarian cancer is estimated at approximately $3.8 billion per year. Around 90% of this cost is attributed to lost productivity and premature death.

Informal caregiving - often provided by family members - adds an estimated $48.6 million annually, while the disease also results in the loss of over 61,000 workdays each year [8].

The hidden burden of breast and ovarian cancer

Even with public healthcare coverage, families affected by breast and ovarian cancer often face substantial indirect costs. These include travel and accommodation for treatment, lost income due to time off work, and the emotional and financial toll of providing care at home. 
 
The emotional toll is immense; the unpredictability of treatment schedules, the need for ongoing support, and the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis can disrupt family dynamics for years. 
 
While Australia’s public health system provides a strong safety net for women diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, the hidden and indirect costs - especially for families-remain substantial.

Private health insurance can offer more choice and faster access but often comes with significant financial burdens. The true cost of these cancers is not just measured in dollars, but in the lost time, lost opportunities, and emotional strain borne by families across the country. 

Now is the ideal time to reassess your clients’ protection strategies

Make sure they have the right combination of trauma cover and income protection to help them navigate life’s unexpected challenges. By starting these conversations early, you’re not just providing insurance — you’re helping deliver peace of mind when it’s needed most.
 
With AIA Health, clients can also benefit from access to private healthcare options, giving them greater choice and flexibility when it comes to their treatment and care. It’s a valuable complement to a comprehensive protection plan — supporting their health, wellbeing, and recovery. 

References

  1. Cancer Council - patient-information-flyer; Compare the Market - Health Insurance for Breast Cancer | Simples!
  2. Cancer Council - patient-information-flyer
  3. St Vincents Hospital - Private vs Public | Breast Cancer Surgery Melbourne VIC
  4. Icon Cancer Centre - Public or private cancer treatment: understanding your choices
  5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - Health system expenditure on cancer and other neoplasms in Australia, 2015–16, Summary - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
  6. Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation - Ovarian Cancer - Types and Stages - Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
  7. National Library of Medicine - Health services costs for ovarian cancer in Australia: Estimates from the 45 and Up Study - PubMed
  8. Oncology News - Ovarian Cancer Australia shares devastating Australian-specific data on the socioeconomic burden of ovarian cancer