Drug development is an expensive and laborious process for drug companies, and involves conducting years of research in the lab, followed by years of clinical trials with patients, before a drug gets through the FDA review and approval (or rejection), and then onto the market.

The following foundations and organizations provide financial assistance for patients with cancer. Some programs offer assistance to all patients with cancer, and some target patients with specific types of cancer. This directory lists the general programs first, then programs focused on specific types of cancer.

Many patients with cancer face a serious financial burden, and some are missing treatment or skipping treatment altogether because of the cost.

Financial navigators are in the best position to help patients maximize their financial assistance.

Cancer treatment is getting even more expensive than before, and paying for it is yet another serious issue that many patients with cancer face. Even for patients who have private insurance through their employer or through an individual plan, many patients today are expected to pay an increasing share of their care from their own pocket.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 10,380 children under age 15 and about 5,000 teens aged 15 to 19 will be diagnosed with cancer this year in the United States. The rate of children surviving cancer for 5 years or more is growing thanks to improved treatment, but so is the rate of children and teens who are diagnosed with cancer.

Few people are prepared for the financial burdens that can be associated with chronic illness, which is particularly true of cancer. The financial burden of cancer treatment in the United States is approximately $20,000 to $30,000 annually in out-of-pocket costs to the patient.

The costs of cancer have always been a concern, but new studies show that this concern will affect more than just your bank account.