The Use of Credit Cards in Response to the Crisis of Serious Illness

Abstract

This article contributes to the literature on the financial impact of cancer by presenting findings on the use of credit cards as a response to the financial crisis of relocation for specialist treatment for patients diagnosed with a hematological malignancy. The findings are from a study, funded by the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland, examining the financial impact of relocation for specialist treatment for hematology patients in Queensland. To date, there has been no work on financial management strategies for hematology patients or research on the use of credit cards by cancer patients. The findings on the use of credit cards as a response to the financial crisis of serious illness are discussed in terms of income profile, gender, financial management strategy, and a sense of urgency and need.