Supporting the anxieties of cancer treatment and money across society - Towards a society where household financial consultation is available in all 1741 municipalities nationwide

This association supports April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day to broadcast dreams. This press release is the dream of the "General Incorporated Association Patient Household Support Association." ■ Towards a society where cancer patients can consult about household finances locally in all 1741 municipalities The General Incorporated Association Patient Household Support Association aims to realize an environment where cancer patients can consult about their anxieties regarding treatment and money locally in all 1741 municipalities nationwide. When diagnosed with cancer, many people experience financial anxiety not only about the treatment itself, but also about medical expenses, reduced income, living expenses, and the future outlook for their household finances. We challenge ourselves to realize a future where the anxieties of cancer treatment and money can be supported by society as a whole. ■ Background of wanting to realize this dream As cancer treatment becomes prolonged, it is becoming more important than ever for patients and their families to not only think about "this month's medical expenses," but also how to forecast their income and expenditure and plan their lives after starting treatment. Furthermore, currently, a proposal to revise the high-cost medical care benefit system is being considered, and we believe that in the future, "support that forecasts treatment and living on a yearly basis" will be needed more than ever before. Support is required not just to know about the systems, but to think according to each person's household finances, working style, and family situation. There are "financial anxieties" that should be supported by society as a whole. In many medical institutions, patient support is provided mainly through cancer consultation support centers. On the other hand, - There are differences in the consultation systems depending on the medical institution. - Consultation personnel are limited (at hospitals and clinics other than designated cancer care hospitals). - There are many consultations that cannot be resolved by public systems alone. - The outlook and life planning of the entire household are highly individualized. Because of these factors, there are many cases where it is difficult to respond sufficiently only at the medical frontline. Therefore, we believe there is a need for a role that provides household financial consultation as a financial planner (FP) for patient support, in collaboration with medical professionals. ■ Previous initiatives of the Patient Household Support Association So far, our association has: - Chiba University Hospital