Family Caregivers’ Perspectives of the Economic Burden Imposed through Caring for Family Members with Cancer in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract Background This study explored the perspectives of family caregivers on the economic burden imposed through caring for their family members who are living with cancer in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods This study employed qualitative methods to explore the subjective experiences of the family caregivers caring for family members living with cancer, drawing from the interpretivist paradigm. Data saturation was reached after conducting 20 in-depth interviews among family caregivers. These family caregivers were either actively involved in caring for or previously had the experience of caring for a family member with cancer. Interview questions focused on the caregivers’ perspectives of the economic burden of caring for a family member with cancer.Results Three key themes emerged from the analysis of the research findings. These themes were: loss of income, financial coping prior to the cancer diagnosis, and financial challenges due to the cancer diagnosis.Conclusions Cancer care giving can be financially taxing on families, and especially impose more strain on families with low household incomes. There is a need for health policy makers to consider exploring financial relief mechanisms for families caring for members living with cancer.