A breast cancer diagnosis takes not only a physical toll but a financial one as well, a new Canadian report finds.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Network, a survivors' group, commissioned the report, which was released Thursday at a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

The 2009 national survey of 446 Canadians with a recent breast cancer diagnosis suggested 80 per cent of respondents experienced a financial impact, often with long-term financial consequences for both themselves and their families.

On average, the patient household experienced a 10 per cent drop in annual income — 44 per cent of respondents depleted their savings and retirement funds, and 27 per cent took on debt to cover treatment costs.

The group pointed to several reasons for the debt load.

"There are large inconsistencies in health coverage across provinces and territories, especially in the areas of cancer drugs, coverage, supplies and prosthetics," said the group's president, Cathy Ammendolea.

"The report also shows that a breast cancer diagnosis caused significant disruption in labour force participation. Many women had to retire from their jobs or go on disability or medical leave."

Improve EI benefits

Employment insurance, payable for a maximum of 15 weeks at 55 per cent of salary, didn't cover half of the treatment time, which averaged 38 weeks, according to the report.

Ammendolea called on Ottawa to work with employers to ease the financial stress on women dealing with breast cancer.

The group is seeking changes including:

• Better employment insurance benefits for people with breast cancer and their caregivers.
• Full coverage of all needed drugs and medical equipment.
• A task force to review labour policy, insurance benefits and workplace accommodation to better reflect the reality of breast cancer treatment and subsequent labour force re-entry.

Yalenza Diaz is now cancer-free but recalls how the financial toll of her diagnosis made her feel more hopeless. (CBC) When Yalenka Diaz of Toronto was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, she was told she had five years to live. With only her husband working, she couldn't afford full-time help.

"It makes you feel even more hopeless," Diaz said of the financial burdens.

Last year, breast cancer survivor Audrey Guth started a charity called the Nanny Angel Network, an organization of volunteer nannies that help families dealing with the disease.

"It’s a full-time job going through treatment with breast cancer," said Guth. "Many women can't work, so that they have to take time off from their jobs, from their careers, and the setbacks financially for the family are tremendous."

Diaz said she was grateful to have the support of the angel network since she still feels weak. After two years of battling the disease, her doctor said she's cancer-free.