For many patients, not having health insurance or an inability to meet general household expenses is the main barrier to delaying care. Researchers at the University of North Carolina report that more than one-quarter of cancer patients can't afford to pay for their treatment and one in five can't afford their prescriptions. Patients treated on a tight drug regimens who must adhere to it regularly, are at great risk if they can't afford the medications.

The study found that patients with financial toxicity were more likely not to comply with medical care. Among those having trouble paying for care, the most common reason was an inability to afford general household expenses. while lack of health insurance and inability to take off work were cited as causes as well.

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