Question 1

Who does BCSF support?

Accepted Answer

While we acknowledge that every person who is diagnosed with breast cancer experiences a financial impact, our mandate is to provide financial assistance to patients who do not have the financial resources to cover the costs of basic necessities such as food and shelter, as well as medical and additional expenses related to their treatment. Furthermore, we prioritize applications according to income and frequently find that patients who receive financial assistance are living at or below the poverty line.

Question 2

Who is eligible to apply for financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer patients (male and female) who are in ‘active’ treatment or are within two months of completing ‘active’ treatment. (Active treatment refers to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation).

Question 3

How do breast cancer patients apply for funds?

Accepted Answer

Individuals must fill out our comprehensive Application Form, which includes submitting financial information (such as copies of Income Tax Forms and CRA summaries, mortgage statement or lease agreement, original receipts for expenses), and medical reports about their diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the Application From must be signed by the patients’ oncologist, primary care nurse or a social worker at the hospital where they are being treated. This process ensures that the advisory committee members who review and assess the applications can be responsible stewards of the donations distributed by BCSF on behalf of its donors.

Question 4

What kind of expenses are covered by the BCSF?

Accepted Answer

We will reimburse patients for costs associated with food and shelter, hospital parking, wigs, turbans, breast prosthetics, specialty bras, garments for Lymphedema, medications (related to treatment), child care, restorative therapies, and other living expenses. (See the Application Form for complete list and details).

Question 5

What kind of expenses are not covered by the BCSF?

Accepted Answer

We do not reimburse for the cost of tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (Arimdex, Aromasin and Faslodex) or for expenses of patients who are on longer-term treatments such as Herceptin, or bisphosphonates. The ONE exception to this policy are patients who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. We also do not reimburse patients for the following: credit card payments, cable, phone, property taxes/condo fees, Insurance(s), restaurant receipts, medications not related to treatment and costs associated with accommodation. (Patients can contact the Canadian Cancer Society for assistance related to accommodation and travel expenses, if patients have to travel a long distances for treatment).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does BCSF support?

Who is eligible to apply for financial assistance?

How do breast cancer patients apply for funds?

What kind of expenses are covered by the BCSF?

What kind of expenses are not covered by the BCSF?