Single mother survives cancer after quitting job over medical costs
Woman diagnosed with cancer was forced to quit as a bartender due to weakened immunity.
Reported by The Canberra Times
ShareWhy it matters
Cancer patients face severe financial pressure alongside medical treatment, forcing impossible choices between healthcare and survival costs.
In Australia. Australian cancer patients navigate high out-of-pocket expenses; charities fill critical funding gaps that the health system does not cover.
Key facts
- $10,000
- Typical annual out-of-pocket costs
- $650,000 to 858 patients
- Rise Above support in 2025-26
- Canberra
- Location
- Tahlia Salafia from Canberra was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2025.
- Tahlia's mother's own cancer diagnosis had pushed her to get checked.
- Tahlia had chemotherapy, surgery to remove both breasts, radiation and hormone drugs.
- As a single mother and university student, she left her bartending job.
- The crowded bar put her at risk when her immune system was weak.
- Cancer patients typically pay at least $10,000 extra each year.
- Salafia got grocery vouchers and fuel money from Rise Above, a local charity.
- She has recovered and now works as paid staff for the group.
