Supporting Cancer Treatment and Financial Anxiety as a Society: Toward a Future Where Household Financial Consultations Are Available in All 1,741 Municipalities Nationwide

Our association supports the 'April Dream' initiative, which encourages sharing dreams on April 1st. This press release represents the dream of the 'Patient Household Support Association.'

Toward a society where all 1,741 municipalities provide local financial support for cancer patients

The Patient Household Support Association aims to create an environment in all 1,741 municipalities across Japan where cancer patients can consult locally about their anxieties regarding treatment and finances.

When diagnosed with cancer, many people face not only the treatment itself but also economic anxieties, including medical expenses, loss of income, living costs, and future household financial prospects.

We are taking on the challenge of realizing a future where the anxieties surrounding cancer treatment and money can be supported by society as a whole.

The background behind our dream

As cancer treatments become more long-term, it is becoming more important than ever for patients and their families to plan not just for 'this month's medical bills,' but for their long-term income, expenditure, and life planning after treatment begins.

Furthermore, with proposals to revise the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit System currently under consideration, we believe that support for 'long-term planning of treatment and daily life' will be more necessary than ever.

There is a need for support that goes beyond simply explaining systems, and instead considers the individual's household finances, work style, and family situation.

There is 'economic anxiety' that should be supported by society as a whole

Many medical institutions provide patient support, primarily through Cancer Consultation and Support Centers. However, there are cases that are difficult to handle solely within the medical setting due to: - Disparities in consultation systems between medical institutions - Limited consultation staff (especially in hospitals and clinics other than designated cancer care hospitals) - Many consultations that cannot be resolved by public systems alone - The highly individual nature of household financial planning and life design

Therefore, we believe there is a need for a role where financial planners (FPs) specializing in patient support can provide household financial consultations while coordinating with medical professionals.

Our association's initiatives to date

To date, our association has engaged in: - Household financial consultation support in collaboration with medical staff at Chiba University Hospital - Online consultations - Consultation services at Chiba Medical Cafe - Consultation support at cancer-related events - Study sessions and case study meetings for medical professionals - Training for FPs to become 'Patient Household Advisors®' capable of providing patient support - Surveys on the actual economic situation of cancer patients - Medical expense consultation sessions for rare disease patients in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies

We have handled over 200 patient consultations to date. We provide support that goes beyond just explaining systems, working together with patients to organize their future, including estimating expected expenditures and determining how to protect their livelihoods.

The future we want to realize: The option of 'Visiting FPs'

Currently, we provide consultations primarily online, as well as at hospitals, medical cafes, and events. However, we want to establish a system where patients can more easily receive face-to-face consultations, even at home while undergoing treatment.

If 'Visiting FPs' became as common as visiting doctors, visiting nurses, or visiting caregivers, cancer patients and their families could calmly think about their future treatment and finances together at home. For those burdened by hospital visits or physical health issues, this would bring us closer to a society where 'necessary support can be received in the necessary place.'

This dream can be realized with the 181,117 existing FP certificate holders

According to the Japan Association for Financial Planners, as of March 1, 2026, there are 181,117 qualified individuals (28,301 CFP® certified and 152,816 AFP certified). By connecting this vast human resource with medical and patient support, there is potential to further expand regional support systems. We want to spread this new role in society where the knowledge and experience of FPs are utilized for patient support.

We want to realize this with medical, financial, insurance, and local government partners

We cannot realize this dream alone. That is why we want to move forward with the following individuals and organizations: - Medical institutions and clinics - Financial institutions - Insurance companies - Local governments - Regional support groups - FPs interested in patient support

Toward a society where there are no disparities in support based on where a patient lives, even after a cancer diagnosis. Toward a society where patients can face their treatment without giving up on it, while also protecting their daily lives. The Patient Household Support Association will continue to take on the challenge of realizing a future where 'cancer treatment and financial anxiety are supported by the community.' We look forward to expanding our future collaboration with medical institutions, local governments, companies, and supporters who are interested in this initiative.