Interview– Dr. Mateo Banegas

Cancer doesn’t just take a physical and emotional toll—it can also create overwhelming financial strain that quietly shapes care decisions. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew: A Cancer Podcast, McKenna sits down with Dr. Mateo Banegas to unpack the concept of “financial toxicity,” how it became a recognized issue in oncology, and why it matters as much as any medical side effect. Together, they explore how the shock of out-of-pocket costs, missed work, and competing basic needs can deeply affect patients and families from the very start of treatment.

Dr. Banegas shares real-world examples of how financial pressure leads people to stretch medications, skip appointments, or alter treatment plans simply to afford care. The conversation also highlights practical steps patients can take early on—what questions to ask their care team, how navigators and social workers can help when brought in sooner, and what to know about assistance programs and crowdfunding realities. This episode is a must-listen for patients, caregivers, and advocates looking to understand and reduce the hidden financial burden of cancer care.

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