101
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Li C, Narcisse MR, McElfish PA. Medical financial hardship reported by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cancer survivors compared with non-Hispanic whites. Cancer 2020; 126:2900-2914. [PMID: 32196129 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although medical financial hardship (MFH) resulting from sequelae of cancer and treatment has been reported in other racial/ethnic populations, little is known about MFH among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) cancer survivors. METHODS One hundred fifty adult NHPI cancer survivors were identified from the 2014 NHPI National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Cancer survivors were those with a history of cancer (excluding nonmelanoma/unknown type of skin cancer). MFH was defined by 3 domains: 1) material (problem paying or unable to pay medical bills); 2) psychological (worrying about paying medical bills); and 3) behavioral (delaying or forgoing medical care for financial reasons). For comparison, 2098 non-Hispanic white (NHW) cancer survivors were identified from the 2014 NHIS. Logistic regressions were used to identify sociodemographic and health factors associated with experiencing MFH. Stratified analysis by age (<65 vs ≥65 years) and sensitivity analysis using propensity score-matched NHPI and NHW cancer survivors were conducted. Nationally representative estimates were generated using survey weights. RESULTS Among elderly cancer survivors, more NHPIs reported any MFH (59% vs 32%; P = .001), psychological MFH (36% vs 22%; P = .040), and behavioral MFH (27% vs 9%; P = .004) than NHWs. Among survivors aged <65 years, NHPIs reported less MFH (46% vs. 65%; P = .034). Even after propensity score matching, these patterns persisted. Female NHPIs and NHPIs with a college degree were significantly more likely to report MFH, especially material and psychological MFH. CONCLUSIONS A significantly higher proportion of elderly NHPI cancer survivors reported MFH, and this difference persisted even after propensity score matching, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghui Li
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Marie-Rachelle Narcisse
- Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Pearl A McElfish
- Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
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102
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Siegel RL, Jakubowski CD, Fedewa SA, Davis A, Azad NS. Colorectal Cancer in the Young: Epidemiology, Prevention, Management. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2020; 40:1-14. [PMID: 32315236 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_279901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates in the United States overall have declined since the mid-1980s because of changing patterns in risk factors (e.g., decreased smoking) and increases in screening. However, this progress is increasingly confined to older adults. CRC occurrence has been on the rise in patients younger than age 50, often referred to as early-onset disease, since the mid-1990s. Young patients are more often diagnosed at an advanced stage and with rectal disease than their older counterparts, and they have numerous other unique challenges across the cancer management continuum. For example, young patients are less likely than older patients to have a usual source of health care; often need a more complex treatment protocol to preserve fertility and sexual function; are at higher risk of long-term and late effects, including subsequent primary malignancies; and more often suffer medical financial hardship. Diagnosis is often delayed because of provider- and patient-related factors, and clinicians must have a high index of suspicion if young patients present with rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits. Educating primary care providers and the larger population on the increasing incidence and characteristic symptoms is paramount. Morbidity can further be averted by increasing awareness of the criteria for early screening, which include a family history of CRC or polyps and a genetic predisposition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nilofer S Azad
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD
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103
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Han X, Zhao J, Zheng Z, de Moor JS, Virgo KS, Yabroff KR. Medical Financial Hardship Intensity and Financial Sacrifice Associated with Cancer in the United States. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020; 29:308-317. [PMID: 31941708 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-19-0460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With rising costs of cancer care, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, medical financial hardship intensity and financial sacrifices due to cancer in the United States. METHODS We identified 963 cancer survivors from the 2016 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey - Experiences with Cancer. Medical financial hardship due to cancer was measured in material (e.g., filed for bankruptcy), psychological (e.g., worry about paying bills and finances), and behavioral (e.g., delaying or forgoing care due to cost) domains. Nonmedical financial sacrifices included changes in spending and use of savings. Multivariable logistic models were used to identify characteristics associated with hardship intensity and sacrifices stratified by age group (18-64 or 65+ years). RESULTS Among cancer survivors ages 18 to 64 years, 53.6%, 28.4%, and 11.4% reported at least one, two, or all three domains of hardship, respectively. Among survivors ages 65+ years, corresponding percentages were 42.0%, 12.7%, and 4.0%, respectively. Moreover, financial sacrifices due to cancer were more common in survivors ages 18 to 64 years (54.2%) than in survivors 65+ years (38.4%; P < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with hardship intensity in multivariable analyses included low income and educational attainment, racial/ethnic minority, comorbidity, lack of private insurance coverage, extended employment change, and recent cancer treatment. Most were also significantly associated with financial sacrifices. CONCLUSIONS Medical financial hardship and financial sacrifices are substantial among cancer survivors in the United States, particularly for younger survivors. IMPACT Efforts to mitigate financial hardship for cancer survivors are warranted, especially for those at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Janet S de Moor
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Katherine S Virgo
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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104
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Myerson RM, Tucker-Seeley RD, Goldman DP, Lakdawalla DN. Does Medicare Coverage Improve Cancer Detection and Mortality Outcomes? JOURNAL OF POLICY ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT : [THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT] 2020; 39:577-604. [PMID: 32612319 PMCID: PMC7318119 DOI: 10.1002/pam.22199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Medicare is a large government health insurance program in the United States that covers about 60 million people. This paper analyzes the effects of Medicare insurance on health for a group of people in urgent need of medical care: people with cancer. We used a regression discontinuity design to assess impacts of near-universal Medicare insurance at age 65 on cancer detection and outcomes, using population-based cancer registries and vital statistics data. Our analysis focused on the three tumor sites for which screening is recommended both before and after age 65: breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. At age 65, cancer detection increased by 72 per 100,000 population among women and 33 per 100,000 population among men; cancer mortality also decreased by nine per 100,000 population for women but did not significantly change for men. In a placebo check, we found no comparable changes at age 65 in Canada. This study provides the first evidence to our knowledge that near-universal access to Medicare at age 65 is associated with improvements in population-level cancer mortality.
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105
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Yabroff KR, Bradley C, Shih YCT. Understanding Financial Hardship Among Cancer Survivors in the United States: Strategies for Prevention and Mitigation. J Clin Oncol 2019; 38:292-301. [PMID: 31804869 DOI: 10.1200/jco.19.01564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Cathy Bradley
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center and Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO
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106
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Eberth JM, Zahnd WE, Adams SA, Friedman DB, Wheeler SB, Hébert JR. Mortality-to-incidence ratios by US Congressional District: Implications for epidemiologic, dissemination and implementation research, and public health policy. Prev Med 2019; 129S:105849. [PMID: 31679842 PMCID: PMC7393609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.105849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) can be computed from readily accessible, public-use data on cancer incidence and mortality, and a high MIR value is an indicator of poor survival relative to incidence. Newly available data on congressional district-specific cancer incidence and mortality from the U.S. Cancer Statistics (USCS) database from 2011 to 2015 were used to compute MIR values for overall (all types combined), breast, cervix, colorectal, esophagus, lung, oral, pancreas, and prostate cancer. Congressional districts in the South and Midwest, including MS, AL, and KY, had higher (worse) MIR values for all cancer types combined than for the U.S. as a whole. For all cancers combined, there was a positive correlation between each district's percent of rural residents and the MIR (r = 0.47; p < .001). The MIR for all cancer types combined was lower in districts within states that expanded Medicaid vs. those states that did not expand Medicaid (0.36 vs. 0.38; p < .001). A positive correlation was seen between the proportion of non-Hispanic Black residents and MIR (r = 0.15; p < .01 for all cancers). Lower MIRs were observed in districts in New England and in states that expanded Medicaid. However, there also were some interesting departures from this rule (e.g., Wyoming, South Dakota, parts of Wisconsin and Florida). Rural congressional districts have generally higher MIRs than more urban districts. There is some concern that poorer, more rural states that did not expand Medicaid may experience greater disparities in MIRs relative to Medicaid expansion states in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Eberth
- University of South Carolina, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, United States of America
| | - Whitney E Zahnd
- University of South Carolina, Rural and Minority Health Research Center, United States of America
| | - Swann Arp Adams
- University of South Carolina, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and College of Nursing, United States of America
| | - Daniela B Friedman
- University of South Carolina, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, United States of America
| | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, CPCRN Coordinating Center, United States of America
| | - James R Hébert
- University of South Carolina, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, United States of America.
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107
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Odahowski CL, Zahnd WE, Zgodic A, Edward JS, Hill LN, Davis MM, Perry CK, Shannon J, Wheeler SB, Vanderpool RC, Eberth JM. Financial hardship among rural cancer survivors: An analysis of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Prev Med 2019; 129S:105881. [PMID: 31727380 PMCID: PMC7190004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.105881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Some cancer survivors report spending 20% of their annual income on medical care. Undue financial burden that patients face related to the cost of care is referred to as financial hardship, which may be more prevalent among rural cancer survivors. This study examined contrasts in financial hardship among 1419 rural and urban cancer survivors using the 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey supplement - The Effects of Cancer and Its Treatment on Finances. We combined four questions, creating a measure of material financial hardship, and examined one question on financial worry. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses, which produced odds ratios (OR) for factors associated with financial hardship and worry, and then generated average adjusted predicted probabilities. We focused on rural and urban differences classified by metropolitan statistical area (MSA) designation, controlling for age, education, race, marital status, health insurance, family income, and time since last cancer treatment. More rural cancer survivors reported financial hardship than urban survivors (23.9% versus 17.1%). However, our adjusted models revealed no significant impact of survivors' MSA designation on financial hardship or worry. Average adjusted predicted probabilities of financial hardship were 18.6% for urban survivors (Confidence Interval [CI]: 11.9%-27.5%) and 24.2% for rural survivors (CI: 15.0%-36.2%). For financial worry, average adjusted predicted probabilities were 19.9% for urban survivors (CI: 12.0%-31.0%) and 18.8% for rural survivors (CI: 12.1%-28.0%). Improving patient-provider communication through decision aids and/or patient navigators may be helpful to reduce financial hardship and worry regardless of rural-urban status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassie L Odahowski
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Whitney E Zahnd
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States of America; Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anja Zgodic
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jean S Edward
- College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Lauren N Hill
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Melinda M Davis
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Sciences University, United States of America
| | - Cynthia K Perry
- School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Sciences University, United States of America
| | - Jackilen Shannon
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Sciences University, United States of America
| | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Robin C Vanderpool
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jan M Eberth
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, United States of America.
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108
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Zheng Z, Jemal A, Banegas MP, Han X, Yabroff KR. High-Deductible Health Plans and Cancer Survivorship: What Is the Association With Access to Care and Hospital Emergency Department Use? J Oncol Pract 2019; 15:e957-e968. [DOI: 10.1200/jop.18.00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine the associations among high-deductible health plan (HDHP) enrollment, cancer survivorship, and access to care and utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2010 to 2017 National Health Interview Survey was used to identify privately insured adults ages 18 to 64 years (cancer survivors, n = 4,321; individuals without a cancer history, n = 95,316). We used multivariable logistic regressions to evaluate the associations among HDHP/health savings account (HSA) status, delayed/forgone care for financial reasons, and hospital emergency department (ED) visits among cancer survivors compared with individuals without a cancer history. RESULTS: Among cancer survivors, HDHPs with or without HSA (8.9% and 13.9%, respectively; both P < .05) were associated with more delayed/forgone care compared with low-deductible health plans (LDHPs) (7.9%). HSA enrollment was associated with less delayed/forgone care among HDHP cancer survivors ( P < .05). ED visits were similar by insurance type. Among individuals without a cancer history, HDHP with or without HSA (9.5% and 10.8%, respectively; both P < .05) were both associated with more delayed/forgone care compared with LDHPs (5.9%). HSA enrollment also was associated with less delayed/forgone care among HDHP enrollees without a cancer history. A small difference in ED visits was observed between HDHPs without HSA (15.3%) and LDHPs (14.1%; P < .05) or HDHPs with HSA (13.4%; P < .05) among individuals without a cancer history. CONCLUSION: HDHP enrollment and HSA status affect access to care and hospital ED visits similarly by cancer history. HDHP enrollment may serve as a barrier to access to care among cancer survivors, although HSA enrollment coupled with an HDHP may mitigate the impact on access. HDHPs and HSA status were not associated with ED visits among cancer survivors. Improvement to care coordination efforts may be needed to reduce ED visits among privately insured cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
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109
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Zhao J, Han X, Zheng Z, Banegas MP, Ekwueme DU, Yabroff KR. Is Health Insurance Literacy Associated With Financial Hardship Among Cancer Survivors? Findings From a National Sample in the United States. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2019; 3:pkz061. [PMID: 32337486 PMCID: PMC7050003 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkz061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the association between health insurance literacy and financial hardship among cancer survivors. Using the 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Experiences with Cancer self-administered questionnaire, we evaluated the associations between health insurance literacy and medical financial hardship and nonmedical financial sacrifices among adult cancer survivors in the United States. Of the survivors, 18.9% aged 18–64 years and 14.6% aged 65 years and older reported health insurance literacy problems. In both age groups (18–64 and ≥65 years), from multivariable logistic regressions, survivors with health insurance literacy problems were more likely to report any material (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.53 to 5.96; AOR = 3.33, 95% CI = 1.69 to 6.57, respectively) or psychological (AOR = 5.53, 95% CI = 2.35 to 13.01; AOR = 8.79, 95% CI = 4.55 to 16.97, respectively) hardship, as well as all types of nonmedical financial sacrifices than those without these problems. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to test causality and assess whether improving health insurance literacy can mitigate financial hardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Donatus U Ekwueme
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
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110
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Miller KD, Nogueira L, Mariotto AB, Rowland JH, Yabroff KR, Alfano CM, Jemal A, Kramer JL, Siegel RL. Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2019. CA Cancer J Clin 2019; 69:363-385. [PMID: 31184787 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2834] [Impact Index Per Article: 566.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of cancer survivors continues to increase in the United States because of the growth and aging of the population as well as advances in early detection and treatment. To assist the public health community in better serving these individuals, the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute collaborate every 3 years to estimate cancer prevalence in the United States using incidence and survival data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries; vital statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics; and population projections from the US Census Bureau. Current treatment patterns based on information in the National Cancer Data Base are presented for the most prevalent cancer types. Cancer-related and treatment-related short-term, long-term, and late health effects are also briefly described. More than 16.9 million Americans (8.1 million males and 8.8 million females) with a history of cancer were alive on January 1, 2019; this number is projected to reach more than 22.1 million by January 1, 2030 based on the growth and aging of the population alone. The 3 most prevalent cancers in 2019 are prostate (3,650,030), colon and rectum (776,120), and melanoma of the skin (684,470) among males, and breast (3,861,520), uterine corpus (807,860), and colon and rectum (768,650) among females. More than one-half (56%) of survivors were diagnosed within the past 10 years, and almost two-thirds (64%) are aged 65 years or older. People with a history of cancer have unique medical and psychosocial needs that require proactive assessment and management by follow-up care providers. Although there are growing numbers of tools that can assist patients, caregivers, and clinicians in navigating the various phases of cancer survivorship, further evidence-based resources are needed to optimize care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leticia Nogueira
- Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Angela B Mariotto
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - K Robin Yabroff
- Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
- Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joan L Kramer
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rebecca L Siegel
- Surveillance Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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111
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Jones G, Kantarjian H. The many roads to universal health care in the USA. Lancet Oncol 2019; 20:e601-e605. [PMID: 31473128 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(19)30517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Health-care systems in different countries have evolved along different paths, with some countries offering private insurance, some universal health care, and some a mixture between the two. In most high-income countries, health care is considered a human right and is provided universally, typically free at the point-of-care. The USA has developed a fractured for-profit system that is substantially more expensive than those of its European counterparts and delivers poorer outcomes than the health-care systems in other high-income countries, while leaving a substantial proportion of Americans without health coverage. This Personal View discusses the current health-care system in the USA and offers a roadmap towards the achievement of universal health care for the USA. Three key components of the roadmap are: support and improve the Affordable Care Act; maintain the existing private insurance system; offer in parallel a government-sponsored health-care insurance, or gradually expand Medicare to more people, and ultimately to all Americans not covered under existing health-care insurances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Jones
- McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA
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112
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Zheng Z, Han X, Zhao J, Yabroff KR. What can we do to help young cancer survivors minimize financial hardship in the United States? Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2019; 19:655-657. [PMID: 31408395 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2019.1656398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society , Atlanta , GA , USA
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113
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Yabroff KR, Zhao J, Han X, Zheng Z. Prevalence and Correlates of Medical Financial Hardship in the USA. J Gen Intern Med 2019; 34:1494-1502. [PMID: 31044413 PMCID: PMC6667570 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05002-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High patient out-of-pocket (OOP) spending for medical care is associated with medical debt, distress about household finances, and forgoing medical care because of cost in the USA. OBJECTIVE To examine the national prevalence of medical financial hardship domains: (1) material conditions from increased OOP expenses (e.g., medical debt), (2) psychological responses (e.g., distress), and (3) coping behaviors (e.g., forgoing care); and factors associated with financial hardship. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS We identified adults aged 18-64 years (N = 68,828) and ≥ 65 years (N = 24,614) from the 2015-2017 National Health Interview Survey. Multivariable analyses of nationally representative cross-sectional survey data were stratified by age group, 18-64 years and ≥ 65 years. MAIN MEASURES Prevalence of material, psychological, and behavioral hardship and hardship intensity. KEY RESULTS Approximately 137.1 million (95% CI 132.7-141.5) adults reported any medical financial hardship in the past year. Hardship is more common for material, psychological and behavioral domains in adults aged 18-64 years (28.9%, 46.9%, and 21.2%, respectively) than in adults aged ≥ 65 years (15.3%, 28.4%, and 12.7%, respectively; all p < .001). Lower educational attainment and more health conditions were strongly associated with hardship intensity in multivariable analyses in both age groups (p < .001). In the younger group, the uninsured were more likely to report multiple domains of hardship (52.8%), compared to those with some public (26.5%) or private insurance (23.2%) (p < .001). In the older group, individuals with Medicare only were more likely to report hardship in multiple domains (17.1%) compared to those with Medicare and public (12.1%) or Medicare and private coverage (10.1%) (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Medical financial hardship is common in the USA, especially in adults aged 18-64 years and those without health insurance coverage. With trends towards higher patient cost-sharing and increasing health care costs, risks of hardship may increase in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
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114
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