Leonie Havnen, aged 52, is a breast cancer survivor, but she faces hefty medical bills as a result of fighting the disease. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
SURVIVING breast cancer was the first fight, paying the bills was the next.
Leonie Havnen is one of thousands of Australians forced to dip into their superannuation when faced with medical bills and expensive prescription drugs.
In her case it was after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in November 2011.
"I took out about $35,000 for medical costs and medication," the 52-year-old single mum, from Drummoyne, said. "I feel like I'm going to have to work for an extra three years to make up for what I had to take out."
Ms Havnen has been free of the stage three cancer for 18 months, but the financial strains have continued. She spends about $200 a month on medications and another $40 for vitamins to minimise side effects.
The cost burden has become so significant Ms Havnen was forced to drop some medicines from her treatment.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/money/cost-of-living/breast-cancer-survivor-leonie-havnen-left-with-35000-bill/story-fnagkbpv-1226631150135#ixzz2RzCCa900
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