According to a study conducted by the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, one-third of cancer survivors go into debt, and 3 percent file for bankruptcy. The astronomical costs of cancer treatment continue to rise and financial burdens are a concerning reality for active patients and survivors.

Discomfiting results of research on financial distress show that it is often on the same level of fear of dying from cancer, according to Dan Sherman, the owner of NaVectis Group, an organization that educates hospital personnel on how to assist with financial navigation for cancer patients. Sherman notes that while "some who are diagnosed with cancer do everything they possible can and go trough financial resources...others try to keep their familiars from becoming destitute."

The NY Post speaks with a number of survivors who decided to spend the money on their treatment, and they explain how that has impacted their current realities.

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