Cancer’s Rising Costs in Canada

By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | May 3, 2025

Cancer is a major health issue in Canada, and it costs a lot of money for patients, families, and the country. Back in 2013, before a person was diagnosed with cancer, they spent about $2,060 on average for tests and doctor visits. After diagnosis, the first year was the most expensive because of treatments like hospital stays, chemotherapy, and radiation. In 2012, cancer cost Canada $7.5 billion, mostly for medical care.

Today, the Canadian Cancer Society says cancer costs $37.7 billion every year. Patients also pay around $33,000 over their lifetime for things like drugs, travel to hospitals, and time off work. These costs hit low-income families and people in rural areas the hardest since not everything is covered by Canada’s healthcare system. Not every area has cancer treatment facilities available and travel can mean flying to a major city or driving for hours, having to stop for food and even accommodations on the way.

Right now, Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) is warning about a 75% jump in cancer cases. In British Columbia, 1 in 2 people will get cancer, and over 30,000 will be diagnosed this year. BC’s population grew to 5.8 million in 2023-24, up 10% since 2020-21, and older people are more likely to get cancer. More young people are also getting cancer, and those living longer need ongoing care.

Globally, the World Health Organization also predicts a 75% rise in cases by 2050, caused by aging populations, smoking, drinking, obesity, and air pollution. Some worry COVID-19 vaccines are to blame, but a 2023 study from the National Cancer Institute found no link to cancer or DNA changes.

New research shows other risks. Since 2011, when radiofrequency (RF) radiation from devices like cell phones was called “possibly carcinogenic” (Group 2B), studies on people, animals, and lab experiments suggest it’s more dangerous. Some experts now say RF radiation should be labeled a “human carcinogen” (Group 1), which could lead to new rules to protect people and add costs for businesses.

An EMF, or electromagnetic field, is a physical field produced by electrically charged objects and is present wherever electricity flows—including in modern technologies. EMFs are categorized by frequency into low-frequency (like those from power lines) and high-frequency fields (like those from wireless communications). High-frequency EMFs are used in 5G networks, drones, Wi-Fi, and the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling fast data transmission and remote control. As these technologies become more widespread, concerns have grown around the potential health effects of prolonged EMF exposure, although scientific consensus on risks remains divided.

Looking ahead, cancer could cost $37.4 billion by 2034. But new tech, like South Korean scientists turning cancer cells back to normal or Canadian trials for special vaccines and therapies, could lower costs. To prevent cancer, people can get HPV or hepatitis B shots, avoid smoking and drinking, and stay healthy.

Canada’s free healthcare ensures no one has to choose between treatment and going broke, unlike in some countries. However, we need better support so everyone can afford care without financial stress. People should also be able to request financial help if costs become a barrier to treatment, and we should all be grateful for this system that is here for us and our loved ones.

Readers can help by donating to cancer care through organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society or the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Donations fund research, patient support programs, and new treatments, like those at VGH for advanced care. Please visit VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation at vghfoundation.ca/ to donate.

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