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Ufere NN, Serper M, Kaplan A, Horick N, Indriolo T, Li L, Satapathy N, Donlan J, Castano Jimenez JC, Lago-Hernandez C, Lieber S, Gonzalez C, Keegan E, Schoener K, Bethea E, Dageforde LA, Yeh H, El-Jawahri A, Park ER, Vodkin I, Schonfeld E, Nipp R, Desai A, Lai JC. Financial burden following adult liver transplantation is common and associated with adverse recipient outcomes. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:918-931. [PMID: 38353602 PMCID: PMC11380752 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The financial impact of liver transplantation has been underexplored. We aimed to identify associations between high financial burden (≥10% annual income spent on out-of-pocket medical costs) and work productivity, financial distress (coping behaviors in response to the financial burden), and financial toxicity (health-related quality of life, HRQOL) among adult recipients of liver transplant. Between June 2021 and May 2022, we surveyed 207 adult recipients of liver transplant across 5 US transplant centers. Financial burden and distress were measured by 25 items adapted from national surveys of cancer survivors. Participants also completed the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment and EQ-5D-5L HRQOL questionnaires. In total, 23% of recipients reported high financial burden which was significantly associated with higher daily activity impairment (32.9% vs. 23.3%, p =0.048). In adjusted analyses, the high financial burden was significantly and independently associated with delayed or foregone medical care (adjusted odds ratio, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.85-8.42) and being unable to afford basic necessities (adjusted odds ratio, 5.12; 95% CI: 1.61-16.37). Recipients experiencing high financial burden had significantly lower self-reported HRQOL as measured by the EQ-5D-5L compared to recipients with low financial burden (67.8 vs. 76.1, p =0.008) and an age-matched and sex-matched US general population (67.8 vs. 79.1, p <0.001). In this multicenter cohort study, nearly 1 in 4 adult recipients of liver transplant experienced a high financial burden, which was significantly associated with delayed or foregone medical care and lower self-reported HRQOL. These findings underscore the need to evaluate and address the financial burden in this population before and after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nneka N Ufere
- Department of Medicine, Gastrointestinal Division, Liver Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marina Serper
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alyson Kaplan
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Abdominal Transplant Institute, Tufts University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nora Horick
- Department of Statistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Teresa Indriolo
- Department of Medicine, Gastrointestinal Division, Liver Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lucinda Li
- Department of Medicine, Gastrointestinal Division, Liver Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nishant Satapathy
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - John Donlan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janeth C Castano Jimenez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Carlos Lago-Hernandez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sarah Lieber
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Carolina Gonzalez
- Department of Social Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eileen Keegan
- Department of Social Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kimberly Schoener
- Department of Social Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily Bethea
- Department of Medicine, Gastrointestinal Division, Liver Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leigh-Anne Dageforde
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heidi Yeh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Areej El-Jawahri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elyse R Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Mongan Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Irine Vodkin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Emily Schonfeld
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ryan Nipp
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Archita Desai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jennifer C Lai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Park ER, Kirchhoff AC, Donelan K, Perez GK, McDonald A, Bliss CC, Foor A, Berghuijs KMVT, Waters AR, Durieux N, Leisenring W, Armstrong GT, Ponzani C, Lopez A, Lopez PLV, Battaglia T, Galbraith AA, Kuhlthau KA. Health Insurance Navigation Tools Intervention: A Pilot Trial Within the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:953-963. [PMID: 38471048 PMCID: PMC11292596 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for underinsurance and health insurance-related financial burden. Interventions targeting health insurance literacy (HIL) to improve the ability to understand and use health insurance are needed. METHODS We codeveloped a four-session health insurance navigation tools (HINT) intervention, delivered synchronously by a patient navigator, and a corresponding booklet. We conducted a randomized pilot trial with survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study comparing HINT with enhanced usual care (EUC; booklet). We assessed feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy (HIL, primary outcome; knowledge and confidence with health insurance terms and activity) on a 5-month survey and exit interviews. RESULTS Among 231 invited, 82 (32.5%) survivors enrolled (53.7% female; median age 39 years, 75.6% had employer-sponsored insurance). Baseline HIL scores were low (mean = 28.5; 16-64; lower scores better); many lacked knowledge of Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions. 80.5% completed four HINT sessions, and 93.9% completed the follow-up survey. Participants rated HINT's helpfulness a mean of 8.9 (0-10). Exit interviews confirmed HINT's acceptability, specifically its virtual and personalized delivery and helpfulness in building confidence in understanding one's coverage. Compared with EUC, HINT significantly improved HIL (effect size = 0.94. P < .001), ACA provisions knowledge (effect size = 0.73, P = .003), psychological financial hardship (effect size = 0.64, P < .006), and health insurance satisfaction (effect size = 0.55, P = .03). CONCLUSION Results support the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual health insurance navigation program targeted for childhood survivors to improve HIL. Randomized trials to assess the efficacy and sustainability of health insurance navigation on HIL and financial burden are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ana Lopez
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Tracy Battaglia
- Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Alison A. Galbraith
- Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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Ton MD, Chan JSK, Satti DI, Peckham-Gregory EC, Mahal BA, Isrow D, Dee EC, Swami NS. Modifiable Lifestyle Risk Factors in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Nationally Representative Study. Am J Clin Oncol 2024:00000421-990000000-00205. [PMID: 38913415 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000001123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given the vulnerable health condition of adult childhood cancer survivors, it is essential that they develop positive health behaviors to minimize controllable health risks. Therefore, we evaluated if adult survivors of non-childhood cancer and childhood cancer differ in the odds of each modifiable risk factor compared with each other and compared with the general population. METHODS This nationally representative study leveraged the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) sample from 2000 to 2018 and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) sample from 2016 to 2021. Our study population included adults diagnosed with cancer when they were ≤14 years of age. Outcomes included physical activity, body mass index (BMI), current smoking, ever-smoking, alcohol use, and binge drinking. RESULTS Insufficient physical activity was not statistically significant in the BRFSS, but in the NHIS, childhood cancer survivors had significantly more insufficient physical activity compared with non-childhood cancer survivors (aOR 1.29, P=0.038) and the general population (aOR 1.40, P=0.006). Childhood cancer survivors also had a higher likelihood of being significantly underweight (aOR 1.84, P=0.018) and having ever-smoked (aOR 1.42, P=0.001) compared with the general population in the NHIS. There was a significantly higher likelihood of smoking among childhood cancer survivors in the BRFSS (aOR 2.02, P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS The likelihoods of many risky behaviors between adult childhood cancer survivors and general population controls were comparable, although rates of physical activity may be decreased, and rates of smoking may be increased among childhood cancer survivors. Targeted interventions are needed to promote healthy behaviors in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh D Ton
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL
| | - Jeffrey Shi Kai Chan
- Cardio-Oncology Research Unit, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, UK-China Collaboration, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Danish Iltaf Satti
- Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Erin C Peckham-Gregory
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, Texas Children's Hospital
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Center for Epidemiology and Population Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Brandon A Mahal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL
| | - Derek Isrow
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL
| | | | - Nishwant S Swami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Satti DI, Chan JSK, Dee EC, Lee YHA, Wai AKC, Dani SS, Virani SS, Shapiro MD, Sharma G, Liu T, Tse G. Associations Between Social Determinants of Health and Cardiovascular Health of U.S. Adult Cancer Survivors. JACC CardioOncol 2024; 6:439-450. [PMID: 38983373 PMCID: PMC11229543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Relationships between the social determinants of health (SDOH) and cardiovascular health (CVH) of cancer survivors are underexplored. Objectives This study sought to investigate associations between the SDOH and CVH of adult cancer survivors. Methods Data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey (2013-2017) were used. Participants reporting a history of cancer were included, excluding those with only nonmelanotic skin cancer, or with missing data for any domain of SDOH or CVH. SDOH was quantified with a 6-domain, 38-item score, consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations (higher score indicated worse deprivation). CVH was quantified based on the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, but due to unavailable detailed dietary data, a 7-item CVH score was used, with a higher score indicating worse CVH. Survey-specific multivariable Poisson regression was used to test associations between SDOH quartiles and CVH. Results Altogether, 8,254 subjects were analyzed, representing a population of 10,887,989 persons. Worse SDOH was associated with worse CVH (highest vs lowest quartile: risk ratio 1.30; 95% CI: 1.25-1.35; P < 0.001), with a grossly linear relationship between SDOH and CVH scores. Subgroup analysis found significantly stronger associations in younger participants (P interaction = 0.026) or women (P interaction = 0.001) but without significant interactions with race (P interaction = 0.051). Higher scores in all domains of SDOH were independently associated with worse CVH (all P < 0.001). Higher SDOH scores were also independently associated with each component of the CVH score (all P < 0.05 for highest SDOH quartile). Conclusions An unfavorable SDOH profile was independently associated with worse CVH among adult cancer survivors in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danish Iltaf Satti
- Cardio-Oncology Research Unit, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, PowerHealth Limited, Hong Kong SAR
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey Shi Kai Chan
- Cardio-Oncology Research Unit, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, PowerHealth Limited, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Edward Christopher Dee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yan Hiu Athena Lee
- Cardio-Oncology Research Unit, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, PowerHealth Limited, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Abraham Ka Chung Wai
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Sourbha S. Dani
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Comparative Effective Research Institute, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Salim S. Virani
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Texas Heart Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael D. Shapiro
- Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Section on Cardiovascular Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Garima Sharma
- Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | - Tong Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Gary Tse
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong SAR
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Lemmen J, Mageto S, Njuguna F, Midiwo N, Vik TA, Kaspers G, Mostert S. A caregivers' perspective on social reintegration and stigma of childhood cancer survivors in Kenya. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6345. [PMID: 38708858 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Childhood cancer survivors' social reintegration may be hampered in low and middle-income countries. The nature and extent of social challenges and prejudices that survivors encounter in such settings are largely unknown. This study explores caregivers' perspectives on social reintegration and stigmatization of Kenyan childhood cancer survivors. METHODS Caretakers of childhood cancer survivors (<18 years) were interviewed using mixed-methods questionnaires during home or clinic visits between 2021 and 2022. Stigma was assessed with an adjusted Social Impact Scale and risk factors were investigated. RESULTS Caretakers of 54 survivors (median age 11 years) were interviewed. Families' income (93%) decreased since start of treatment. Caretakers (44%) often lost their jobs. Financial struggles (88%) were a burden that provoked conflicts within communities (31%). School fees for siblings became unaffordable (52%). Families received negative responses (26%) and were left or avoided (13%) by community members after cancer disclosure. Survivors and families were discriminated against because the child was perceived fragile, and cancer was considered fatal, contagious, or witchcraft. Survivors repeated school levels (58%) and were excluded from school activities (19%) or bullied (13%). Performance limitations of daily activities (p = 0.019), male sex (p = 0.032), solid tumors (p = 0.056) and a short time since treatment completion (p = 0.047) were associated with increased stigma. Caretakers recommended educational programs in schools and communities to raise awareness about cancer treatment and curability. CONCLUSIONS Childhood cancer survivors and their families experienced difficulties with re-entry and stigmatization in society. Increasing cancer and survivorship awareness in schools and communities should facilitate social reintegration and prevent stigmatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Lemmen
- Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Susan Mageto
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, Kisii University, Kisii, Kenya
| | - Festus Njuguna
- Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Nancy Midiwo
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Terry A Vik
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Gertjan Kaspers
- Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia Mostert
- Pediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Arizpe A, Navarro S, Ochoa-Dominguez CY, Rodriguez C, Kim SE, Farias AJ. Nativity differences in socioeconomic barriers and healthcare delays among cancer survivors in the All of Us cohort. Cancer Causes Control 2024; 35:203-214. [PMID: 37679534 PMCID: PMC10787892 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to assess whether nativity differences in socioeconomic (SES) barriers and health literacy were associated with healthcare delays among US cancer survivors. METHODS "All of Us" survey data were analyzed among adult participants ever diagnosed with cancer. A binary measure of healthcare delay (1+ delays versus no delays) was created. Health literacy was assessed using the Brief Health Literacy Screen. A composite measure of SES barriers (education, employment, housing, income, and insurance statuses) was created as 0, 1, 2, or 3+. Multivariable logistic regression model tested the associations of (1) SES barriers and health literacy with healthcare delays, and (2) whether nativity modified this relationship. RESULTS Median participant age was 64 years (n = 10,020), with 8% foreign-born and 18% ethnic minorities. Compared to survivors with no SES barriers, those with 3+ had higher likelihood of experiencing healthcare delays (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.84, 2.58). For every additional barrier, the odds of healthcare delays were greater among foreign-born (1.72, 1.43, 2.08) than US-born (1.27, 1.21, 1.34). For every 1-unit increase in health literacy among US-born, the odds of healthcare delay decreased by 9% (0.91, 0.89, 0.94). CONCLUSION We found that SES barriers to healthcare delays have a greater impact among foreign-born than US-born cancer survivors. Higher health literacy may mitigate healthcare delays among US cancer survivors. Healthcare providers, systems and policymakers should assess and address social determinants of health and promote health literacy as a way to minimize healthcare delays among both foreign- and US-born cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Arizpe
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., Suite 318B, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Stephanie Navarro
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., Suite 318B, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | | | | | - Sue E Kim
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., Suite 318B, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Albert J Farias
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., Suite 318B, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
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Eaglehouse YL, Darmon S, Gage MM, Shriver CD, Zhu K. Characteristics Associated With Survival in Surgically Nonresected Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in the Military Health System. Am J Clin Oncol 2024; 47:64-70. [PMID: 37851358 PMCID: PMC10805355 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000001057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages with high-case fatality. Many tumors are not surgically resectable. We aimed to identify features associated with survival in patients with surgically nonresected pancreatic cancer in the Military Health System. METHODS We used the Military Cancer Epidemiology database to identify the Department of Defense beneficiaries aged 18 and older diagnosed with a primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma between January 1998 and December 2014 who did not receive oncologic surgery as treatment. We used Cox Proportional Hazard regression with stepwise procedures to select the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics related to 2-year overall survival, expressed as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% CIs. RESULTS Among 1148 patients with surgically nonresected pancreatic cancer, sex, race-ethnicity, marital status, and socioeconomic indicators were not selected in association with survival. A higher comorbidity count (aHR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.06-1.59 for 5 vs. 0), jaundice at diagnosis (aHR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.33-1.85 vs. no), tumor grade G3 or G4 (aHR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05-1.67 vs. G1/G2), tumor location in pancreas tail (aHR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.22-1.83 vs. head) or body (aHR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04-1.62 vs. head), and metastases were associated with survival. Patients receiving chemotherapy (aHR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.57-0.76) had better survival compared with no treatment. CONCLUSIONS In a comprehensive health system, sociodemographic characteristics were not related to survival in surgically nonresected pancreatic cancer. This implicates access to care in reducing survival disparities in advanced pancreatic cancer and emphasizes the importance of treating patients based on clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne L. Eaglehouse
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc
| | - Sarah Darmon
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc
| | - Michele M. Gage
- Departments of Surgery
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Craig D. Shriver
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- Departments of Surgery
| | - Kangmin Zhu
- Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc
- Preventive Medicine & Biostatistics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
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8
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Khajoei R, Azadeh P, ZohariAnboohi S, Ilkhani M, Nabavi FH. Breast cancer survivorship needs: a qualitative study. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:96. [PMID: 38233789 PMCID: PMC10795302 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11834-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer rates and the number of breast cancer survivors have been increasing among women in Iran. Effective responses from healthcare depend on appropriately identifying survivors' needs. This study investigated the experience and needs of breast cancer survivors in different dimensions. METHODS In this qualitative content analysis, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from April 2023 to July 2023. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing 16 breast cancer survivors (BCSs) and four oncologists using purposive sampling. Survivors were asked to narrate their experiences about their needs during the survivorship. Data were analyzed with an inductive approach in order to extract the themes. RESULTS Twenty interviews were conducted. The analysis focused on four central themes: (1) financial toxicity (healthcare costs, unplanned retirement, and insurance coverage of services); (2) family support (emotional support, Physical support); (3) informational needs (management of side effects, management of uncertainty, and balanced diet); and (4) psychological and physical issues (pain, fatigue, hot flashes, and fear of cancer recurrence). CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable information for designing survivorship care plans. Identifying the survivorship needs of breast cancer survivors is the first and most important step, leading to optimal healthcare delivery and improving quality of life. It is recommended to check the financial capability of patients and take necessary measures for patients with financial problems. Additionally, support sources should be assessed and appropriate. Psychological interventions should be considered for patients without a support source. Consultation groups can be used to meet the information needs of patients. For patients with physical problems, self-care recommendations may also be useful in addition to doctors' orders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahimeh Khajoei
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR, Iran
| | - Payam Azadeh
- Radiation Oncology Department, School of Medicine, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima ZohariAnboohi
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Ilkhani
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR, Iran.
| | - Fatemah Heshmati Nabavi
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Bassiri A, Badrinathan A, Alvarado CE, Boutros C, Jiang B, Kwak M, Sinopoli J, Tapias Vargas L, Linden PA, Towe CW. Uncovering Health-Care Disparities Through Patient Decisions in Lung Cancer Surgery. J Surg Res 2024; 293:248-258. [PMID: 37804794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Declining cancer surgery represents a conflict between patients' rights to autonomy and providers' perspectives of best practice. We hypothesize that, among patients with nonmetastatic lung cancer, patient demographics would be associated with different rates of declination of lung cancer surgery. METHODS Patients with nonmetastatic lung cancer from 2004 to 2018 in the National Cancer Database were identified. Patients were categorized into two groups based on surgical treatment: surgical resection and declined surgery. Patient characteristics were compared using bivariate and multivariate models to identify factors associated with surgical declination. Additionally, we performed subgroup analyses of cT1N0M0 patients with no comorbidities. Survival analysis done using multivariate cox analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS 478,757 patients were identified. In a multivariate model, declining surgery was associated with increased age (odds ratio 1.09, 1.09-1.10), non-Hispanic Black race (odds ratio 1.95, 1.73-2.21), nonprivate insurance, and lower Socioeconomic Status. In a subgroup of cT1N0M0 patients with no comorbidities, declining surgery was associated with increasing age, non-Hispanic Black race, nonprivate insurance, and socioeconomic status. Patient's that declined surgery demonstrated lower overall survival when compared to patients that underwent surgical resection (5 y overall survival: declined surgery 40% versus underwent resection 72%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although early-stage lung cancer is potentially curable, many patients decline guideline-based surgery, and have worse overall survival. There are social and economic factors associated with patients declining lung cancer surgery. Providers have an ethical responsibility to understand the basis of patient's decision to decline recommended surgery and address endemic disparities related to race and access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria Bassiri
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
| | - Avanti Badrinathan
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Christine E Alvarado
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Christina Boutros
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Boxiang Jiang
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Minyoung Kwak
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jillian Sinopoli
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Leonidas Tapias Vargas
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Philip A Linden
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Christopher W Towe
- Division of Thoracic and Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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10
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Falk DS, Tooze JA, Winkfield KM, Bell RA, Birken SA, Morris BB, Strom C, Copus E, Shore K, Weaver KE. Factors Associated with Delaying and Forgoing Care Due to Cost among Long-term, Appalachian Cancer Survivors in Rural North Carolina. CANCER SURVIVORSHIP RESEARCH & CARE 2023; 1:2270401. [PMID: 38178811 PMCID: PMC10766413 DOI: 10.1080/28352610.2023.2270401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Background Little research exists on delayed and forgone health and mental health care due to cost among rural cancer survivors. Methods We surveyed survivors in 7 primarily rural, Appalachian counties February to May 2020. Univariable analyses examined the distribution and prevalence of delayed/forgone care due to cost in the past year by independent variables. Chi-square or Fisher's tests examined bivariable differences. Logistic regressions assessed the odds of delayed/forgone care due to cost. Results Respondents (n=428), aged 68.6 years on average (SD: 12.0), were 96.3% non-Hispanic white and 49.8% female; 25.0% reported delayed/forgone care due to cost. The response rate was 18.5%. The proportion of delayed/forgone care for those aged 18-64 years was 46.7% and 15.0% for those aged 65+ years (P<0.0001). Females aged 65+ years (OR: 2.00; CI: 1.02-3.93) had double the odds of delayed/forgone care due to cost compared to males aged 65+ years. Conclusion About one in four rural cancer survivors reported delayed/forgone care due to cost, with rates approaching 50% in survivors aged <65 years. Impact Clinical implications indicate the need to: 1) ask about the impact of care costs, and 2) provide supportive services to mitigate effects of treatment costs, particularly for younger and female survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek S Falk
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157 (Sponsor)
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio, USA 44106 (Present)
| | - Janet A Tooze
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Karen M Winkfield
- Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, 1005 Dr. DB Todd Jr. Blvd, Nashville, TN, USA 37208
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Preston Research Building, Rm B-1003, 2220 Pierce Ave, Nashville, TN, USA 37232
| | - Ronny A Bell
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA 27599
| | - Sarah A Birken
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Bonny B Morris
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157 (Sponsor)
| | - Carla Strom
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Emily Copus
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Kelsey Shore
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Kathryn E Weaver
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157 (Sponsor)
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
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11
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Dumas A, Milcent K, Bougas N, Bejarano-Quisoboni D, El Fayech C, Charreire H, Oberlin O, Patte C, Allard J, Thebault E, Boumaraf A, Belhout A, Giao VB, Souchard V, Jackson A, Allodji R, Valteau-Couanet D, Dufour C, Vassal G, Haddy N, De Vathaire F, Fresneau B. Predictive factors of long-term follow-up attendance in very long-term childhood cancer survivors. Cancer 2023; 129:3476-3489. [PMID: 37432135 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term follow-up (LTFU) clinics have been developed but only some childhood cancer survivors (CCS) attend long-term follow-up (LTFU). OBJECTIVE To identify factors that influence LTFU attendance. METHODS Five-year CCS treated for a solid tumor or lymphoma in Gustave Roussy before 2000, included in the FCCSS cohort (French Childhood Cancer Survivor Study), aged >18 years and alive at the date of the LTFU Clinic opening (January 2012) were invited to a LTFU visit. Factors associated with attendance at the LTFU clinic between 2012 and 2020 were estimated using logistic regression analyses. Analyses included different types of factors: clinical (tumor characteristics, cancer treatments, late effects), medical (medical expenses were used as a proxy of survivor's health status), social (deprivation index based on census-tract data relating to income, educational level, proportion of blue-collar workers, and unemployed people living in the area of residence), and spatial (distance to the LTFU clinic). RESULTS Among 2341 CCS contacted (55% males, mean age at study, 45 years; SD ± 10 years; mean age at diagnosis, 6 years; SD ± 5 years), 779 (33%) attended at least one LTFU visit. Initial cancer-related factors associated with LTFU visit attendance were: treatment with both radiotherapy and chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 4.02; 95% CI, 2.11-7.70), bone sarcoma (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.56-3.78), central nervous system primitive tumor (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.02-2.67), and autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.34-3.20). Late effects (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.31-2.20), highest medical expenses (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.22-2.22), living in the most advantaged area (OR vs. the most deprived area = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.15-2.22), and shorter distance from LTFU care center (<12 miles) also increased attendance. CONCLUSIONS Patients who are apparently healthy as well as socially disadvantaged and living far away from the center are less likely to attend LTFU care. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Among 2341 adult childhood cancer survivors contacted between 2012 and 2020, 33% attended at least one long-term follow-up visit. Clinical factors related to attendance were multimodal treatment of first cancer (combining chemotherapy and radiotherapy), stem cell transplant, type of diagnosis (bone tumor and central nervous system primitive tumor), late effects (at least one disease among second malignancy, heart disease, or stroke), and highest medical expenses. In addition, the study identified social and spatial inequalities related to attendance, with independent negative effects of distance and social deprivation on attendance, even though the medical costs related to the long-term follow-up examinations are covered by the French social security system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Dumas
- Université de Paris, ECEVE UMR 1123, INSERM (National Institute for Health and Medical Research), Paris, France
| | - Karen Milcent
- Pediatric Department, AP-HP, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Université Paris-Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Nicolas Bougas
- Université de Paris, ECEVE UMR 1123, INSERM (National Institute for Health and Medical Research), Paris, France
| | - Daniel Bejarano-Quisoboni
- INSERM Radiation Epidemiology Team, Villejuif, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Chiraz El Fayech
- Department of Children and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Hélène Charreire
- LabUrba, Université Paris Est Créteil (UPEC), Créteil, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Odile Oberlin
- Department of Children and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Catherine Patte
- Department of Children and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Julie Allard
- Department of Children and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Eric Thebault
- Department of Children and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Amel Boumaraf
- INSERM Radiation Epidemiology Team, Villejuif, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Amel Belhout
- INSERM Radiation Epidemiology Team, Villejuif, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Vu-Bezin Giao
- INSERM Radiation Epidemiology Team, Villejuif, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Vincent Souchard
- INSERM Radiation Epidemiology Team, Villejuif, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Angela Jackson
- INSERM Radiation Epidemiology Team, Villejuif, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Rodrigue Allodji
- INSERM Radiation Epidemiology Team, Villejuif, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Dominique Valteau-Couanet
- Department of Children and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Christelle Dufour
- Department of Children and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Gilles Vassal
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Nadia Haddy
- INSERM Radiation Epidemiology Team, Villejuif, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Florent De Vathaire
- INSERM Radiation Epidemiology Team, Villejuif, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Brice Fresneau
- INSERM Radiation Epidemiology Team, Villejuif, France
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, CESP, Villejuif, France
- Department of Children and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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12
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Ayyala-Somayajula D, Dodge JL, Farias A, Terrault N, Lee BP. Healthcare affordability and effects on mortality among adults with liver disease from 2004 to 2018 in the United States. J Hepatol 2023; 79:329-339. [PMID: 36996942 PMCID: PMC10524480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver disease is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, likely incurring financial distress (i.e. healthcare affordability and accessibility issues), although long-term national-level data are limited. METHODS Using the National Health Interview Survey from 2004 to 2018, we categorised adults based on report of liver disease and other chronic conditions linked to mortality data from the National Death Index. We estimated age-adjusted proportions of adults reporting healthcare affordability and accessibility issues. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression were used to assess the association of liver disease with financial distress and financial distress with all-cause mortality, respectively. RESULTS Among adults with liver disease (n = 19,407) vs. those without liver disease (n = 996,352), those with cancer history (n = 37,225), those with emphysema (n = 7,937), and those with coronary artery disease (n = 21,510), the age-adjusted proportion reporting healthcare affordability issues for medical services was 29.9% (95% CI 29.7-30.1%) vs. 18.1% (95% CI 18.0-18.3%), 26.5% (95% CI 26.3-26.7%), 42.2% (95% CI 42.1-42.4%), and 31.6% (31.5-31.8%), respectively, and for medications: 15.5% (95% CI 15.4-15.6%) vs. 8.2% (95% CI 8.1-8.3%), 14.8% (95% CI 14.7-14.9%), 26.1% (95% CI 26.0-26.2%), and 20.6% (95% CI 20.5-20.7%), respectively. In multivariable analysis, liver disease (vs. without liver disease, vs. cancer history, vs. emphysema, and vs. coronary artery disease) was associated with inability to afford medical services (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.84, 95% CI 1.77-1.92; aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.25-1.40; aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.98; and aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.19, respectively) and medications (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.82-2.03; aOR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14-1.33; aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.90; and aOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.86-1.02, respectively), delays in medical care (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.69-1.87; aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.22; aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.97; and aOR 1.05, 95% CI 0.97-1.14, respectively), and not receiving the needed medical care (aOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.76-1.96; aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.26; aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99; aOR 1.06, 95% CI 0.96-1.16, respectively). In multivariable analysis, among adults with liver disease, financial distress (vs. without financial distress) was associated with increased all-cause mortality (aHR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.53). CONCLUSIONS Adults with liver disease face greater financial distress than adults without liver disease and adults with cancer history. Financial distress is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality among adults with liver disease. Interventions to improve healthcare affordability should be prioritised in this population. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Adults with liver disease use many medical services, but long-term national studies regarding the financial repercussions and the effects on mortality for such patients are lacking. This study shows that adults with liver disease are more likely to face issues affording medical services and prescription medication, experience delays in medical care, and needing but not obtaining medical care owing to cost, compared with adults without liver disease, adults with cancer history, are equally likely as adults with coronary artery disease, and less likely than adults with emphysema-patients with liver disease who face these issues are at increased risk of death. This study provides the impetus for medical providers and policymakers to prioritise interventions to improve healthcare affordability for adults with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Ayyala-Somayajula
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Dodge
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Albert Farias
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Norah Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian P Lee
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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13
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Tsai MH, Wu YH, Bevel MS. The relationship of chronic disease conditions to mental and physical health among cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:364. [PMID: 37249650 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07841-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the relationship between the presence of chronic disease conditions and mental and physical health among cancer survivors in the United States. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis utilizing survey data from the 2016-2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) on 65,673 eligible cancer survivors. The primary outcomes of interest were self-rated metal/physical health in the past 30 days. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine the mentioned association. RESULTS 15.3% and 24.8% of survivors reported having several days of poor mental and physical health (14-30 days compared to 0-13 days), and 42.4% of survivors reported having one to two chronic diseases. In multivariate analysis, survivors with one to two chronic diseases were more likely to report several days of poor mental (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.22-3.38) and physical (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.72-2.22) health. Survivors with 3+ chronic diseases had markedly higher odds of having several days of poor mental (OR, 6.41; 95% CI, 5.19-7.91) and physical health (OR, 4.71; 95% CI, 4.16-5.34). Among survivors with at least one chronic disease, older age, insured, and more perceived social/emotional support were negatively associated with mental health (p value <0.05). Similarly, older age was related to fewer days of poor physical health (p value <0.05) regardless of chronic disease conditions. CONCLUSION Having chronic diseases was associated with more days of poor mental and physical health among cancer survivors. Integrated, extensive care should include mental/physical health components and chronic disease management in cancer survivorship care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Han Tsai
- Cancer Prevention, Control, & Population Health Program, Georgia Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Boulevard CN-2116, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta University, 1457 Walton Way, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA.
| | - Yun-Hsuan Wu
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Malcolm S Bevel
- Cancer Prevention, Control, & Population Health Program, Georgia Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Boulevard CN-2116, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
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14
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Wheeler M, Karanth SD, Mehta HJ, Yang D, Aduse-Poku L, Washington C, Hong YR, Zhang D, Gould MK, Braithwaite D. Survival Differences by Comorbidity Burden among Patients with Stage I/II Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer after Thoracoscopic Resection. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072075. [PMID: 37046735 PMCID: PMC10093192 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We sought to compare overall survival (OS) by comorbidity burden among patients with stage I/II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received thoracoscopic resection. Utilizing data from the National Cancer Database, we conducted a survival analysis among patients aged 50+ with stage I/II NSCLC who received thoracoscopic resection between 2010 and 2017. The comorbidity burden was measured by the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI, 0, 1, 2+). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare overall survival relative to the CCI (CCI of 0 as the referent). Subgroup analyses were conducted considering sex, age groups, days from diagnosis to surgery, facility type, laterality, and type of surgery. For this study, 61,760 patients were included, with a mean age of 69.1 years (SD: 8.5). Notably, 51.2% had a CCI of 0, 31.8% had a CCI of 1, and 17.0% had a CCI of 2+. Most participants were non-Hispanic White (87.5%), and 56.9% were female. We found that an increase in the CCI was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (CCI 1 vs. 0 aHR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.20–1.28; CCI 2+ vs. 0 aHR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.45–1.57; p-trend < 0.01). Our subgroup analysis according to sex suggested that the association between CCI and risk of death was stronger in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghann Wheeler
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Shama D. Karanth
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
- Aging & Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Hiren J. Mehta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Danting Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Livingstone Aduse-Poku
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Caretia Washington
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Young-Rock Hong
- Department of Health Services Research, Management & Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Dongyu Zhang
- Medical Device Epidemiology and Real-World Data Science, Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ 08933, USA
| | - Michael K. Gould
- Department of Health Systems Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
| | - Dejana Braithwaite
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
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15
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Lemmen J, Njuguna F, Verhulst S, Vik TA, Ket JCF, Kaspers G, Mostert S. Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Survivors in Africa: a Scoping Review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 185:103981. [PMID: 37003444 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of children surviving cancer in Africa is increasing. Knowledge about late effects of survivors is lacking. Our study maps literature regarding late effects of childhood cancer survivors in Africa. METHODS Scoping review was performed following JBI-guidelines. Systematic literature search was conducted in: Medline, Embase, African Index Medicus, Web of Science, Scopus, Psycinfo. Titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers, followed by full-text analysis by the lead reviewer. RESULTS Sixty-eight studies were included for content analysis. Studies originated from 10 of 54 African countries. Most studies had retrospective study design, 2-5 years follow-up, solely chemotherapy as treatment modality, Egypt as country of origin. Fifty-three studies described physical, and seventeen studies described psychosocial late effects. CONCLUSION Literature concerning late effects is available from a limited number of African countries. Psychosocial domain lacks attention compared to the physical domain. More countries should report on this topic to prevent, identify and monitor late effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Lemmen
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric oncology, the Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Festus Njuguna
- Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Sanne Verhulst
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric oncology, the Netherlands
| | - Terry A Vik
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States of America
| | | | - Gertjan Kaspers
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric oncology, the Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia Mostert
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric oncology, the Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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16
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Nathan PC, Huang IC, Chen Y, Henderson TO, Park ER, Kirchhoff AC, Robison LL, Krull K, Leisenring W, Armstrong GT, Conti RM, Yasui Y, Yabroff KR. Financial Hardship in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer in the Era After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:1000-1010. [PMID: 36179267 PMCID: PMC9928627 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the prevalence of financial hardship among adult survivors of childhood cancer compared with siblings and identify sociodemographic, cancer diagnosis, and treatment correlates of hardship among survivors in the era after implementation of the Affordable Care Act. METHODS A total of 3,555 long-term (≥ 5 years) survivors of childhood cancer and 956 siblings who completed a survey administered in 2017-2019 were identified from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Financial hardship was measured by 21 survey items derived from US national surveys that had been previously cognitively tested and fielded. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified domains of hardship. Multiple linear regression examined the association of standardized domain scores (ie, scores divided by standard deviation) with cancer and treatment history and sociodemographic characteristics among survivors. RESULTS Survivors were more likely than siblings to report hardship in ≥ 1 item (63.4% v 53.7%, P < .001). They were more likely to report being sent to debt collection (29.9% v 22.3%), problems paying medical bills (20.7% v 12.8%), foregoing needed medical care (14.1% v 7.8%), and worry/stress about paying their rent/mortgage (33.6% v 23.2%) or having enough money to buy nutritious meals (26.8% v 15.5%); all P < .001. Survivors reported greater hardship than siblings in all three domains identified by principal component analysis: behavioral hardship (mean standardized domain score 0.51 v 0.35), material hardship/financial sacrifices (0.64 v 0.46), and psychological hardship (0.69 v 0.44), all P < .001. Sociodemographic (eg, CONCLUSION Survivors of childhood cancer were more likely to experience financial hardship than siblings. Correlates of hardship can inform survivorship care guidelines and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Nathan
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - I-Chan Huang
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, Memphis, TN
| | - Yan Chen
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, School of Public Health Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tara O. Henderson
- University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Section of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Chicago, IL
| | - Elyse R. Park
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - Anne C. Kirchhoff
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Leslie L. Robison
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, Memphis, TN
| | - Kevin Krull
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, Memphis, TN
| | - Wendy Leisenring
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, WA
| | - Gregory T. Armstrong
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, Memphis, TN
| | - Rena M. Conti
- Department of Markets, Public Policy and Law, Questrom School of Business, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Yutaka Yasui
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, Memphis, TN
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
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17
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Wu J, Moss H. Financial Toxicity in the Post-Health Reform Era. J Am Coll Radiol 2023; 20:10-17. [PMID: 36509218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in March 2010, was comprehensive health care reform legislation aimed to improve health care access and quality of care and curb health care-related costs. This review focuses on key provisions of the ACA and their impact on financial toxicity. We will focus our review on cancer care, because this is the most commonly studied disease process in respect to financial toxicity. Patients with cancer face rising expenditures and financial burden, which in turn impact quality of life, compliance to treatment, and survival outcomes. Health insurance expansion include dependent-coverage expansion, Medicaid expansion, and establishment of the Marketplace. Coverage reform focused on reducing financial barriers by limiting cost sharing. Payment reforms included new innovative payment and delivery systems to focus on improving outcomes and reducing costs. Challenges remain as efforts to reduce costs have led to the expansion of insurance plans, such as high-deductible health plans, that may ultimately worsen financial toxicity in cancer and high out-of-pocket costs for further diagnostic testing and procedures. Further research is necessary to evaluate the long-term impacts of the ACA provisions-and threats to the ACA-on outcomes and the costs accrued by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Wu
- Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
| | - Haley Moss
- Assistant Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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18
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Anyanwu MC, Ohamadike O, Wilson LE, Meernik C, Huang B, Pisu M, Liang M, Previs RA, Joshi A, Ward KC, Tucker T, Schymura MJ, Berchuck A, Akinyemiju T. Race, Affordability and Utilization of Supportive Care in Ovarian Cancer Patients. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:537-545. [PMID: 36058401 PMCID: PMC10083071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lack of access to supportive care (SC) among cancer patients have been well documented. However, the role of affordability in this disparity among ovarian cancer (OC) patients remain poorly understood. METHODS Patients with OC between 2008 and 2015 were identified from the SEER-Medicare dataset. Racial disparities in utilization of SC medications within the six months of OC diagnosis among patients with Medicare Part D coverage was examined. Multivariable log-binomial regression models were used to examine the associations of race, affordability and SC medications after adjusting for clinical covariates among all patients and separately among patients with advanced-stage disease. RESULTS The study cohort included 3697 patients: 86% non-Hispanic White (NHW), 6% non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and 8% Hispanic. In adjusted models, NHB and Hispanic patients were less likely to receive antidepressants compared to NHW patients (NHB: aOR 0.46; 95% CI 0.33-0.63 and Hispanic: aOR 0.79; 95% CI 0.63-0.99). This association persisted for NHB patients with advanced-stage disease (aOR 0.42; 95% CI 0.28-0.62). Patients dual enrolled in Medicaid were more likely to receive antidepressants (overall: aOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.17-1.53 and advanced-stage: aOR 1.29; 95% CI 1.10-1.52). However, patients residing in areas with higher vs. lower proportions of lower educated adults (overall: aOR 0.82; 95% CI 0.70-0.97 and advanced-stage: aOR 0.82; 95% CI 0.68-0.99) were less likely to receive antidepressants. CONCLUSION Black OC patients and those living in lower educated areas were less likely to receive antidepressants as SC. Given the importance of post-primary treatment quality of life for cancer patients, interventions are needed to enhance equitable access to SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy C Anyanwu
- Department of Internal Medicine (M.C.A.), Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Onyinye Ohamadike
- Duke University School of Medicine (O.O.), Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren E Wilson
- Department of Population Health Sciences (L.E.W., C.M., A.J., T.A.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Clare Meernik
- Department of Population Health Sciences (L.E.W., C.M., A.J., T.A.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Biostatistics and Kentucky Cancer Registry (B.H., T.T.), University of Kentucky, Lexington Kentucky, USA
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine and O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center (M.P., M.L.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Margaret Liang
- Division of Preventive Medicine and O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center (M.P., M.L.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (M.L.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rebecca A Previs
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology (R.A.P., A.B.), Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham North Carolina, USA
| | - Ashwini Joshi
- Department of Population Health Sciences (L.E.W., C.M., A.J., T.A.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin C Ward
- Georgia Cancer Registry (K.C.W.), Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA
| | - Tom Tucker
- Department of Biostatistics and Kentucky Cancer Registry (B.H., T.T.), University of Kentucky, Lexington Kentucky, USA
| | - Maria J Schymura
- New York State Cancer Registry, New York State Department of Health (M.J.S.), Albany New York, USA
| | - Andrew Berchuck
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology (R.A.P., A.B.), Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham North Carolina, USA
| | - Tomi Akinyemiju
- Department of Population Health Sciences (L.E.W., C.M., A.J., T.A.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine (T.A.), Durham, North Carolina, USA.
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Meng X, An Z, Xu Y, Du J, Tan L, Yu H, Yu L. Living experiences of people with advance cancer with low socioeconomic status: A systematic review of qualitative evidence. Palliat Med 2022; 37:444-459. [PMID: 36411513 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221137106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of patients with advanced cancer is rapidly increasing, and the subgroup of this population with low socioeconomic status has suffered more disease burden than others. However, there is no recent qualitative synthesis of primary research studies into advanced cancer patients with low socioeconomic status. OBJECTIVE To synthesise qualitative research findings into advanced cancer patients' experiences with low socioeconomic status, and then to help provide targeted and effective strategies to improve their quality of life. DESIGN A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence (PROSPERO: CRD42021250423). DATA SOURCES PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection (ISI Web of Science), Cochrane Library, Embase, OVID LWW, CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO) and MEDLINE (ISI Web of Science), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WangFang, and Vip databases were systematically searched from their original dates to July 2022. Qualitative data were appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) qualitative assessment. FINDINGS The findings were synthesised into the following three analytical themes: (1) multi-dimensional disease distresses; (2) barriers in coping with disease distresses; and (3) strategies for dealing with disease distresses. CONCLUSIONS Patients with advanced cancer with low socioeconomic status experienced complicated and interactional distresses, unique life barriers, and a wide range of adaptation strategies. These findings will provide a comprehensive perspective to promote individual-centred health care systems and services to help these vulnerable people deal with the challenges of disease and improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianmei Meng
- Center for Nurturing Care Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No. 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zifen An
- Center for Nurturing Care Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No. 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuying Xu
- Center for Nurturing Care Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No. 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiayi Du
- Center for Nurturing Care Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No. 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lanhui Tan
- Center for Nurturing Care Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No. 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huidan Yu
- Center for Nurturing Care Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No. 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Liping Yu
- Center for Nurturing Care Research, School of Nursing, Wuhan University, No. 115 Donghu Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Kazzi B, Chino F, Kazzi B, Jain B, Tian S, Paguio JA, Yao JS, Muralidhar V, Mahal BA, Nguyen PL, Sanford NN, Dee EC. Shared burden: the association between cancer diagnosis, financial toxicity, and healthcare cost-related coping mechanisms by family members of non-elderly patients in the USA. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:8905-8917. [PMID: 35877007 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07234-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There has been little research on the healthcare cost-related coping mechanisms of families of patients with cancer. Therefore, we assessed the association between a cancer diagnosis and the healthcare cost-related coping mechanisms of participant family members through their decision to forego or delay seeking medical care, one of the manifestations of financial toxicity. METHODS Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) between 2000 and 2018, sample weight-adjusted prevalence was calculated and multivariable logistic regressions defined adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for participant family members who needed but did not get medical care or who delayed seeking medical care due to cost in the past 12 months, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic covariates, including participant history of cancer (yes vs. no) and participant age (18-45 vs. 46-64 years old). The analysis of family members foregoing or delaying medical care was repeated using a cancer diagnosis * age interaction term. RESULTS Participants with cancer were more likely than those without a history of cancer to report family members delaying (19.63% vs. 16.31%, P < 0.001) or foregoing (14.53% vs. 12.35%, P = 0.001) medical care. Participants with cancer in the 18 to 45 years old age range were more likely to report family members delaying (pinteraction = 0.028) or foregoing (pinteraction < 0.001) medical care. Other factors associated with cost-related coping mechanisms undertaken by the participants' family members included female sex, non-married status, poorer health status, lack of health insurance coverage, and lower household income. CONCLUSION A cancer diagnosis may be associated with familial healthcare cost-related coping mechanisms, one of the manifestations of financial toxicity. This is seen through delayed/omitted medical care of family members of people with a history of cancer, an association that may be stronger among young adult cancer survivors. These findings underscore the need to further explore how financial toxicity associated with a cancer diagnosis can affect patients' family members and to design interventions to mitigate healthcare cost-related coping mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahaa Kazzi
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 02446, USA
| | - Brigitte Kazzi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bhav Jain
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sibo Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joseph A Paguio
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J Seth Yao
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Brandon A Mahal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Paul L Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nina N Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern, 2280 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA.
| | - Edward Christopher Dee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 02446, USA.
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Rossi F, Tortora C, Paoletta M, Marrapodi MM, Argenziano M, Di Paola A, Pota E, Di Pinto D, Di Martino M, Iolascon G. Osteoporosis in Childhood Cancer Survivors: Physiopathology, Prevention, Therapy and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4349. [PMID: 36139510 PMCID: PMC9496695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The improvement of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions, together with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, increased childhood cancer survival rate in the last decades, reaching 80% in Europe. Nevertheless, anti-cancer treatments are mainly responsible for the onset of long-term side effects in childhood cancer survivors (CCS), including alterations of the endocrine system function and activity. In particular, the most frequent dysfunction in CCS is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) with increased skeletal fragility. BMD loss is also a consequence of a sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition, and cancer itself could affect BMD, thus inducing osteopenia and osteoporosis. In this paper, we provide an overview of possible causes of bone impairment in CCS in order to propose management strategies for early identification and treatment of skeletal fragility in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rossi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 4, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Chiara Tortora
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 4, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Paoletta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties and Dentistry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Marrapodi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 4, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maura Argenziano
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 4, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Paola
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 4, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elvira Pota
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 4, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Pinto
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 4, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Martina Di Martino
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 4, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Iolascon
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties and Dentistry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
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22
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Williams CP, Rocque GB, Caston NE, Gallagher KD, Angove RSM, Anderson E, de Moor JS, Halpern MT, Offodile AC, Gidwani R. Health insurance and financial hardship in cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272740. [PMID: 35930603 PMCID: PMC9355233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Uninsured or underinsured individuals with cancer are likely to experience financial hardship, including forgoing healthcare or non-healthcare needs such as food, housing, or utilities. This study evaluates the association between health insurance coverage and financial hardship among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional analysis used Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) survey data from May to July 2020. Cancer survivors who previously received case management or financial aid from PAF self-reported challenges paying for healthcare and non-healthcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Associations between insurance coverage and payment challenges were estimated using Poisson regression with robust standard errors, which allowed for estimation of adjusted relative risks (aRR). Of 1,437 respondents, 74% had annual household incomes <$48,000. Most respondents were enrolled in Medicare (48%), 22% in employer-sponsored insurance, 13% in Medicaid, 6% in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan, and 3% were uninsured. Approximately 31% of respondents reported trouble paying for healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents who were uninsured (aRR 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83–3.64), enrolled in an ACA plan (aRR 1.86, 95% CI 1.28–2.72), employer-sponsored insurance (aRR 1.70, 95% CI 1.23–2.34), or Medicare (aRR 1.49, 95% CI 1.09–2.03) had higher risk of trouble paying for healthcare compared to Medicaid enrollees. Challenges paying for non-healthcare needs were reported by 57% of respondents, with 40% reporting trouble paying for food, 31% housing, 28% transportation, and 20% internet. In adjusted models, Medicare and employer-sponsored insurance enrollees were less likely to have difficulties paying for non-healthcare needs compared to Medicaid beneficiaries. Despite 97% of our cancer survivor sample being insured, 31% and 57% reported trouble paying for healthcare and non-healthcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Greater attention to both medical and non-medical financial burden is needed given the economic pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney P. Williams
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Gabrielle B. Rocque
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Nicole E. Caston
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | | | | | - Eric Anderson
- Patient Advocate Foundation, Hampton, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Janet S. de Moor
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Halpern
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anaeze C. Offodile
- Division of Surgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Risha Gidwani
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Ahmad J, Muthyala A, Kumar A, Dani SS, Ganatra S. Disparities in Cardio-oncology: Effects On Outcomes and Opportunities for Improvement. Curr Cardiol Rep 2022; 24:1117-1127. [PMID: 35759170 PMCID: PMC9244335 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-022-01732-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of available data on health disparities and the interconnected social determinants of health (SDOH) in cardio-oncology. We identify the gaps in the literature and suggest areas for future research. In addition, we propose strategies to address these disparities at various levels. Recent Findings There has been increasing recognition of health disparities and the role of SODH on an individual’s access to health care, quality of care, and outcomes of the illness. There is growing evidence of sex and race-based differences in cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity. Recent studies have shown how access and quality of health care are affected by financial stability and rurality. Our recent study utilizing the social vulnerability index (SVI) and county-level patient data found graded increase in county-level cardio-oncology mortality with greater social vulnerability. The incremental impact of social vulnerability was higher for cardio-oncology mortality than for mortality related to either cancer or CVD alone. The mortality rates in these patients were higher in rural areas compared to urban areas regardless of social vulnerability. Additionally, for those within the counties within highest social vulnerability, Black individuals had significantly higher cardio-oncology mortality compared with White individuals. Summary Disparities in the cardio-oncology population are deep-rooted and widespread, leading to poor quality of life and increased mortality. It is crucial to integrate SDOH, not only in clinical care delivery but also in future research, and registry data to improve our understanding and the outcomes in our unique subset of cardio-oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javaria Ahmad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Anjani Muthyala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH, USA
| | - Sourbha S Dani
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA
| | - Sarju Ganatra
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA, USA
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24
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Barpujari A, Mehra M, Singh R, Wang K, Sherman B, Gopali R, Deme P, Reddy VP, Hoyt DB. Political Campaign Contributions of Surgeons in the United States Throughout the 2020 Election Cycle. JAMA Surg 2022; 157:515-522. [PMID: 35416934 PMCID: PMC9008566 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2022.0798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Political engagement by the physician workforce is necessary to ensure continued representation of their interests in health care legislation. Limited data are available pertaining to the political involvement of US surgeons. Objective To analyze the magnitude and distribution of political donations made by all US surgeons throughout the 2020 election cycle. Design, Setting, and Participants Partisan and geographical differences in surgeon contributions by aggregating data (January 1 through December 31, 2020) from the US Federal Election Commission database were analyzed. Contributions were labeled as Republican, Democrat, or independent depending on the committee they were designated to. Main Outcomes and Measures Differences in contributions to Republicans, Democrats, and independent candidates for all US surgeons and for subgroups. Results For the 2020 election year, a total of 53 944 donations were made by surgeons in the United States, amounting to $9 223 350.68. Among all surgical specialties, the top 5 highest number of contributions were made from orthopedic surgeons (n = 15 081), ophthalmic surgeons (n = 14 836), neurological surgeons (n = 7481), urologists (n = 4544), and plastic surgeons (n = 4060). Of these donations, 59.46% (n = 32 107) were made to the Republican party ($5 420 326), 30.83% (n = 16 644) were made to the Democratic party ($1 612 775), and 9.71% (n = 5243) were made to nonpartisan (ie, independent) organizations ($2 190 250). Overall, pediatric surgeons reported the lowest mean contribution amount of $59.43, whereas thoracic surgeons reported the highest mean contribution amount of $225.19. Conclusions and Relevance Health care legislation has an immense impact on how medicine is practiced and utilized. This analysis reveals a high degree of political activity of surgeons across different specialties and geographic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rohin Singh
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Kendra Wang
- A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Mesa, Arizona
| | - Benjamin Sherman
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Palvasha Deme
- Department of Plastic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Vamsi P. Reddy
- Department of Neurosurgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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25
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Uppal N, Cunningham Nee Lubitz C, James B. The Cost and Financial Burden of Thyroid Cancer on Patients in the US: A Review and Directions for Future Research. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 148:568-575. [PMID: 35511135 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2022.0660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance In the US, thyroid cancer has been identified as a cancer type with a high degree of associated financial burden on patients, and survivors of thyroid cancer report higher rates of bankruptcy than those of other cancer types. However, the available literature on the financial burden of thyroid cancer has not yet been described. Observations Estimates of the out-of-pocket costs of initial thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment range widely ($1425-$17 000) and are influenced by age, surgical treatment type, and health insurance coverage. The rates of patient-reported financial burden are heterogeneous (16%-50%) and are rarely compared with those of other cancer types. Independent risk factors of financial burden have included younger age, lack of health insurance, and annual household income of less than $49 000. Two studies measured medical debt associated with thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment at notably different rates (2.1% vs 18.7%). The bankruptcy incidence at 1 year after cancer diagnosis is highest for thyroid cancer (9.3 per 1000 person-years) than other studied cancer types (ie, lung, uterine, leukemia/lymphoma, colorectal, melanoma, breast, prostate) and 4.39-fold higher than control individuals among those aged 35 to 49 years. Conclusions and Relevance Current estimates of the financial burden of thyroid cancer are methodologically limited and are based on cross-sectional analyses of patient-reported data. We propose novel frameworks for new research by improvements in (1) data sourcing and utilization, (2) study design, and (3) pilot interventions. To understand how out-of-pocket thyroid cancer-related expenditures transition to various forms of debt, how households finance ongoing costs of care, and rates at which debts are sent to collection agencies, future research should focus on integrating underutilized sources of primary data, including credit reports, public records, and mortgage-backed securities loan-level data. Improvements in study design, such as the development of prospective cohorts, can allow for more objectively measured estimates of out-of-pocket costs, and robust covariate analysis can further reveal the influence of demographic factors, including age, sex, race, income, and health insurance coverage. Finally, new pilot interventions on cost controls can both enable further study and alleviate financial burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Uppal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carrie Cunningham Nee Lubitz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin James
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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Financial difficulties in breast cancer survivors with and without migration background in Germany-results from the prospective multicentre cohort study BRENDA II. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:6677-6688. [PMID: 35507113 PMCID: PMC9213307 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose We aimed to explore the trajectory of financial difficulties among breast cancer survivors in the German health system and its association with migration background. Methods In a multicentre prospective study, breast cancer survivors were approached four times (before surgery, before and after adjuvant therapy, five years after surgery) and asked about their migration history and financial difficulties. Migrants were defined as born/resided outside Germany or having citizenship/nationality other than German. Financial difficulties were ascertained with the financial difficulties item of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Instrument (EORTC QLQ-C30) at each time-point (cut-off > 17). Financial difficulties were classified in trajectories: always (every time-point), never (no time-point), initial (first, not fourth), delayed (only fourth), and acquired (second and/or third, not first). A logistic regression was conducted with the trajectories of financial difficulties as outcome and migration background as exposure. Age, trends in partnership status, and educational level were considered as confounders. Results Of the 363 participants included, 49% reported financial difficulties at at least one time-point. Financial difficulties were reported always by 7% of the participants, initially by 5%, delayed by 10%, and acquired by 21%. Migrants were almost four times more likely to report delayed (odds ratio [OR] = 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3, 10.5) or acquired (OR = 3.6; 95% CI 1.6, 8.4) financial difficulties compared to non-migrant participants. Conclusion Survivors with a migration background are more likely to suffer from financial difficulties, especially in later stages of the follow-up. A linguistically/culturally competent active enquiry about financial difficulties and information material regarding supporting services/insurances should be considered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-022-07074-7.
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Handley NR, Heyer A, Granberg RE, Binder AF, Gentsch AT, Csik VP, Garber G, Worster B, Lopez AM, Rising KL. COVID-19 Pandemic Influence on Medical Oncology Provider Perceptions of Telehealth Video Visits. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e610-e619. [PMID: 34678074 PMCID: PMC9014466 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid expansion of telehealth use in oncology, a specialty in which prior utilization was low in part because of barriers perceived by providers. Understanding the changing perceptions of medical oncology providers during the pandemic is critical for continued expansion and improvement of telehealth in cancer care. This study was designed to identify medical oncology providers' perceptions of telehealth video visits as influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with medical oncology providers from November 20, 2020, to January 27, 2021, at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in an urban, academic health system in Philadelphia, PA. We assessed provider perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on (1) provider-level comfort and willingness for telehealth, (2) provider-perceived patient comfort and willingness to engage in telehealth, and (3) continued barriers to successful telehealth use. RESULTS Volunteer and convenience sampling resulted in the participation of 25 medical oncology providers, including 18 physicians and seven advanced practice providers, in semi-structured interviews. Of the 25 participants, 13 (52%) were female and 19 (76%) were White, with an average age of 48.5 years (standard deviation = 12.6). Respondents largely stated an increased comfort level and willingness for use of video visits. In addition, respondents perceived a positive change in patient comfort and willingness, mostly driven by convenience, accessibility, and reduced risk of COVID-19 exposure. However, several reported technologic issues and limited physical examination capability as remaining barriers to telehealth adoption. CONCLUSION The rapid adoption of telehealth necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic has increased provider-level and provider-perceived patient comfort and willingness to engage in video visits for cancer care. As both providers and patients increasingly accept telehealth across many use cases, future work should focus on further addressing technology and physical examination barriers and ensuring continued reimbursement for telehealth as a routine part of covered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Handley
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA,Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA,Nathan R. Handley, MD, MBA, Thomas Jefferson University, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, 1025 Walnut St, College Building, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19107; e-mail:
| | | | | | - Adam F. Binder
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA,Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alexzandra T. Gentsch
- Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Valerie P. Csik
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Gregory Garber
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Brooke Worster
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA,Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ana Maria Lopez
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kristin L. Rising
- Center for Connected Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA,College of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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Su CT, Veenstra CM, Patel MR. Divergent Patterns in Care Utilization and Financial Distress between Patients with Blood Cancers and Solid Tumors: A National Health Interview Survey Study, 2014-2020. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071605. [PMID: 35406377 PMCID: PMC8996850 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Important differences exist between the presentation, treatment, and survivorship of patients and survivors with blood cancers. Furthermore, existing research in financial toxicity has not fully addressed the relationship between medical care utilization and patient-reported outcomes of financial barriers and distress. We answered these questions by using a nationally representative survey. Methods: Respondents with blood cancers and solid tumors from the National Health Interview Survey were identified (2014−2020). We identified 23 survey questions as study outcomes and grouped them into three domains of medical care utilization, financial barriers to care, and financial distress. Associations between the three domains and associations of study outcomes between cancer types were examined using weighted univariate analyses and multivariable linear and logistic regressions. Results: The final study group consisted of 6248 respondents with solid tumors and 398 with blood cancers (diagnosed ≤ 5 years). Across all respondents with cancer, higher medical care utilization is generally associated with increased financial barriers to care. Compared to respondents with solid tumors, respondents with blood cancers had a higher level of medical care utilization (β = 0.36, p = 0.02), a lower level of financial barriers to care (β = −0.19, p < 0.0001), and a higher level of financial distress in affording care (β = 0.64, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Patients and survivors with blood cancers and solid tumors demonstrate divergent patterns in care utilization, financial barriers, and financial distress. Future research and interventions on financial toxicity should be tailored for individual cancer groups, recognizing the differences in medical care utilization, which affect the experienced financial barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T. Su
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (C.M.V.); (M.R.P.)
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-734-615-1623
| | - Christine M. Veenstra
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (C.M.V.); (M.R.P.)
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Minal R. Patel
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (C.M.V.); (M.R.P.)
- Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Health Behavior & Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Campos-Gomez S, Vera-Rodriguez AM, Rivera-Rivera S, Vera-Badillo FE. Treatment Adherence Issues for Adolescents and Young Adults with Testicular Cancer Due to Changes in the Public Health System in Mexico. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 11:540-542. [PMID: 34936493 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saul Campos-Gomez
- Departamento de Oncología, Centro Oncológico Estatal, Instituto de Seguridad Social del Estado de México y Municipios, Toluca Estado de México, México
| | - Ana M Vera-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Oncología, Centro Oncológico Estatal, Instituto de Seguridad Social del Estado de México y Municipios, Toluca Estado de México, México
| | - Samuel Rivera-Rivera
- Hospital de Oncología, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
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Ojinnaka CO, Bruening M. Black-White racial disparities in health care utilization and self-reported health among cancer survivors: The role of food insecurity. Cancer 2021; 127:4620-4627. [PMID: 34415573 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-Hispanic Blacks continue to have worse cancer outcomes than non-Hispanic Whites. Suboptimal health care utilization and poor self-reported health among non-Hispanic Blacks contribute to these disparities. The relationship between race, food security status (FSS), and health care utilization or self-reported health among cancer survivors is not clear. This study aims to fill this gap in the science. METHODS The 2011-2018 National Health Interview Survey data were used. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between race (non-Hispanic Whites or non-Hispanic Blacks), FSS (high, marginal, low, or very low), health care utilization, and self-reported health among cancer survivors. Analyzed health care utilization measures included cost-related medication underuse (CRMU), cost-related delayed care, cost-related forgone care, seeing/talking to a medical specialist, seeing/talking to a general doctor, and overnight hospital stay. RESULTS A higher proportion of Blacks reported very low food security in comparison with Whites (10.58% vs 4.24%; P ≤ .0001). Blacks were significantly less likely to report a medical specialist visit and more likely to report fair/poor health in the past 12 months even after adjustments for FSS. There was a dose-response relationship between FSS and CRMU, cost-related delayed care, cost-related forgone care, overnight hospital stay, and self-reported health status for both Whites and Blacks. CONCLUSIONS Significant disparities in health care utilization and self-reported health across race and FSS persist among cancer survivors. Interventions that target food insecurity have the potential to reduce suboptimal health care utilization and self-reported health among cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meg Bruening
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
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Fiala MA. Disparities in health care affordability among childhood cancer survivors persist following the Affordable Care Act. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29370. [PMID: 34626446 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Affordable Care Act (ACA) included many provisions that may have improved access to care for childhood cancer survivors (CCS). In this study, we sought to compare health insurance coverage and the affordability of health care among adult childhood CCS before and after the implementation of the ACA. PROCEDURE Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), two cohorts of CCS age 21-65 years old and matched (1:3) controls without a history of cancer were identified. A difference-in-differences analysis was used to compare insurance coverage and health care affordability pre- (2011-2013) and post-ACA (2015-2017). RESULTS There were 309 CCS identified in the pre-ACA cohort and 324 in the post-ACA cohort. The two cohorts were similar in demographic composition. Prior to the ACA, CCS were 39% more likely to be uninsured than their peers (p = .046). Post, there was no difference in the odds of being uninsured between CCS and their peers. Following implementation of the ACA, the proportion of CCS who reported having difficulty with the affordability of health care decreased (p = .013) as did the proportion reporting skipping needed care due to cost (p < .001). However, 13% of CCS still reported being uninsured, 36% reported difficulty paying for health care, and 13% reported foregoing needed care due to cost. Relative to their peers, CCS saw improvement in foregoing needed care due to cost, but disparities still remain. CONCLUSIONS Although improvements were observed, health care affordability, and medical nonadherence remains a problem for CCS. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Additional efforts are needed to improve health care affordability among CCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Fiala
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA.,School of Social Work, Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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Eken HN, Dee EC, Powers AR, Jordan A. Racial and ethnic differences in perception of provider cultural competence among patients with depression and anxiety symptoms: a retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 2021; 8:957-968. [PMID: 34563316 PMCID: PMC10688309 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00285-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic minorities face disparities in access to health care. Culturally competent care might lessen these disparities. Few studies have studied the patients' view of providers' cultural competence, especially in psychiatric care. We aimed to examine the associations of race, ethnicity, and mental health status with patient-reported importance of provider cultural competence. METHODS Our retrospective, population-based, cross-sectional study used data extracted from self-reported questionnaires of adults aged at least 18 years who participated in the US National Health Interview Survey (NHIS; 2017 cycle). We included data on all respondents who answered supplementary cultural competence questions and the Adult Functioning and Disability survey within the NHIS. We classified participants as having anxiety or depression if they reported symptoms at least once a week or more often, and responded that the last time they had symptoms the intensity was "somewhere between a little and a lot" or "a lot." Participant answers to cultural competency survey questions (participant desire for providers to understand or share their culture, and frequency of access to providers who share their culture) were the outcome variables. Multivariable ordinal logistic regressions were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for the outcome variables in relation to sociodemographic characteristics (including race and ethnicity), self-reported health status, and presence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both. FINDINGS 3910 people had available data for analysis. Mean age was 52 years (IQR 36-64). 1422 (39·2%, sample weight adjusted) of the participants were men and 2488 (60·9%) were women. 3290 (82·7%) were White, 346 (9·1%) were Black or African American, 31 (0·8%) were American Indian or Alaskan Native, 144 (4·8%) were Asian American, and 99 (2·6%) were Mixed Race. 380 (12·5%) identified as Hispanic ethnicity and 3530 (87·5%) as non-Hispanic. Groups who were more likely to express a desire for their providers to share or understand their culture included participants who had depression symptoms (vs those without depression or anxiety symptoms, aOR 1·57 [95% CI 1·13-2·19], p=0·008) and participants who were of a racial minority group (Black vs White, aOR 2·54 [1·86-3·48], p=0·008; Asian American vs White, aOR 2·57 [1·66-3·99], p<0·001; and Mixed Race vs White, aOR 1·69 [1·01-2·82], p=0·045) or ethnic minority group (Hispanic vs non-Hispanic, aOR 2·69 [2·02-3·60], p<0·001); these groups were less likely to report frequently being able to see providers who shared their culture (patients with depression symptoms vs those without depression or anxiety symptoms, aOR 0·63 (0·41-0·96); p=0·030; Black vs White, aOR 0·56 [0·38-0·84], p=0·005; Asian American vs White, aOR 0·38 [0·20-0·72], p=0·003; Mixed Race vs White, aOR 0·35 [0·19-0·64], p=0·001; Hispanic vs non-Hispanic, aOR 0·61 [0·42-0·89], p=0·010). On subgroup analysis of participants reporting depression symptoms, patients who identified their race as Black or African American, or American Indian or Alaskan Native, and those who identified as Hispanic ethnicity, were more likely to report a desire for provider cultural competence. INTERPRETATION Racial and ethnic disparities exist in how patients perceive their providers' cultural competence, and disparities are pronounced in patients with depression. Developing a culturally competent and humble approach to care is crucial for mental health providers. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Nur Eken
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Edward Christopher Dee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Ayana Jordan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Su CT, Okullo D, Hingtgen S, Levine DA, Goold SD. Affordable Care Act and Cancer Survivors' Financial Barriers to Care: Analysis of the National Health Interview Survey, 2009-2018. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e1603-e1613. [PMID: 34255545 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Since Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation in 2014, studies have demonstrated gains in insurance coverage for cancer survivors < 65 years. We assessed the impact of ACA implementation on financial barriers to care by stratifying survivors at age 65 years, when individuals typically become Medicare-eligible. METHODS We used data from respondents with cancer in the 2009-2018 National Health Interview Survey. We identified 21,954 respondents representing approximately 7.4 million survivors, who were then age-stratified at age 65 years. Survey responses regarding financial barriers to medical care and medications were analyzed, and age-stratified multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed, which evaluated the impact of ACA implementation on these measures, adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic variables. RESULTS After multivariable logistic regression, ACA implementation was associated with higher adjusted odds of Medicaid insurance (odds ratio [95% CI] 2.02 [1.72 to 2.36]; P < .0001) and lower adjusted odds of no insurance (0.57 [0.48 to 0.68]; P < .0001). Regarding financial barriers, ACA implementation was associated with lower adjusted odds of inability to afford medications (0.68 [0.59 to 0.79]; P < .0001), inability to afford dental care (0.83 [0.73 to 0.94]; P = .004), and delaying care (0.78 [0.69 to 0.89]; P = .002) in the 18-64 years group. Similarly, ACA implementation was associated with lower adjusted odds of secondary outcomes such as delaying refills, skipping doses, and anxiety over medical bills. Similar associations were not seen in the > 65 years group. CONCLUSION Survivor-reported measures of financial barriers in cancer survivors age 18-64 years significantly improved following ACA implementation. Similar changes were not seen in the Medicare-eligible cohort, likely because of high Medicare enrollment and few uninsured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Su
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Dolorence Okullo
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Stephanie Hingtgen
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Deborah A Levine
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Susan D Goold
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Abdel-Rahman O. Gender, socioeconomic status and emergency department visits among cancer survivors in the USA: a population-based study. J Comp Eff Res 2021; 10:969-977. [PMID: 34156279 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2020-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To assess patterns of emergency department visits and subsequent hospitalization in relation to gender and socioeconomic status among a cohort of cancer survivors in the USA. Materials & methods: National Health Interview Survey datasets (2011-2017) were reviewed and participants with a history of cancer and complete information about emergency department visits in the past 12 months were included. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with emergency department visits and subsequent hospitalization after the most recent emergency department visit. Results: A total of 22,240 cancer survivors were included in the current analysis; of which 16,133 participants (72.5%) who have not visited an emergency department in the past 12 months and 6107 participants (27.5%) who have visited an emergency department in the past 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested the following factors are associated with emergency department visits; younger age (odds ratio [OR] with increasing age: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.98-0.99), female gender (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.00-1.15), African American race (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.13-1.40), unmarried status (OR for married vs unmarried: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.74-0.84), lower yearly earnings (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.20-1.54), poor health status (OR: 7.02; 95% CI: 6.02-8.18) and incomplete health insurance coverage (OR for complete coverage vs incomplete coverage: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.54-0.80). On the other hand, the following factors were associated with subsequent hospitalization: older age (OR: 1.004; 95% CI: 1.000-1.008), male gender (OR for female vs male: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.78-0.94), unmarried status (OR for married vs unmarried status: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.73-0.88), not working (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.23-1.68), lower yearly earnings (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.07-1.60), poor health status (OR: 8.43; 95% CI: 6.76-10.51) and lack of health insurance coverage (OR for complete coverage vs incomplete coverage: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.55-0.93). Conclusion: Female cancer survivors were more likely to visit the emergency department, whereas they were less likely to be subsequently hospitalized. Cancer survivors with lower socioeconomic status were more likely to visit emergency departments and to be subsequently hospitalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada
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Winestone LE, Hochman LL, Sharpe JE, Alvarez E, Becker L, Chow EJ, Reiter JG, Ginsberg JP, Silber JH. Impact of Dependent Coverage Provision of the Affordable Care Act on Insurance Continuity for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:e882-e890. [PMID: 33090897 PMCID: PMC8258053 DOI: 10.1200/op.20.00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The 2010 Dependent Coverage Provision (DCP) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed enrollees to remain on their parents' health insurance until 26 years of age. We compared rates of insurance disenrollment among patients with cancer who were DCP-eligible at age 19 to those who were not eligible at age 19. METHODS Using OptumLabs Data Warehouse, which contains longitudinal, real-world, de-identified administrative claims for commercial enrollees, we examined patients born between 1982 and 1993 and diagnosed with cancer between 2000 and 2015. In the recent cohort, patients who turned 19 in 2010-2012 (DCP-eligible to stay on parents' insurance) were matched to patients who turned 19 in 2007-2009 (not DCP-eligible when turning 19). In an earlier control cohort, patients who turned 19 between 2004 and 2006 (not DCP-eligible) were matched to patients who turned 19 between 2001 and 2003 (not DCP-eligible). Patients were matched on cancer type, diagnosis date, demographics, and treatment characteristics. The time to loss of coverage was estimated using Cox models. Difference-in-difference between the recent and earlier cohorts was also evaluated. RESULTS A total of 2,829 patients who turned 19 years of age in 2010-2012 were matched to patients who turned 19 in 2007-2009. Median time to disenrollment was 26 months for younger patients versus 22 months for older patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.90; P = .001). In 8,978 patients who turned 19 between 2001 and 2006, median time to disenrollment was 20 months among both younger and older patients (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.03; P = .59). The difference between the recent cohort and the earlier control cohort was a 15% greater reduction in coverage loss (P < .0001), favoring those turning 19 after the DCP went into effect. CONCLUSION In the vulnerable population of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, the ACA may have lowered the insurance dropout rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena E. Winestone
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Blood & Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Benioff Children's Hospital; and UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lauren L. Hochman
- Center for Outcomes Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - James E. Sharpe
- Center for Outcomes Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Elysia Alvarez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | | | - Eric J. Chow
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital; and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Joseph G. Reiter
- Center for Outcomes Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jill P. Ginsberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; and Division of Pediatric Oncology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Cancer Survivorship Program, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jeffrey H. Silber
- Center for Outcomes Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; and Division of Pediatric Oncology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Health Care Management, The Wharton School; and Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Hong YR, Xie Z, Gutter MS, Odedina FT, Hincapie-Castillo JM. Purchasing Drugs Abroad Among U.S. Cancer Survivors: Analysis of the National Health Interview Survey, 2011-2018. Am J Prev Med 2021; 60:e231-e234. [PMID: 33358718 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Rock Hong
- Department of Health Services Research Management & Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
| | - Zhigang Xie
- Department of Health Services Research Management & Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Michael S Gutter
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Folakemi T Odedina
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, Florida; Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Juan M Hincapie-Castillo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Sciubba DM, Pennington Z, Ehresman J. Guest Editorial: Predictive Analytics, Calculators and Cost Modeling in Spine Surgery. Global Spine J 2021; 11:4S-6S. [PMID: 33890809 PMCID: PMC8076808 DOI: 10.1177/2192568220977185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Sciubba
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Zach Pennington
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jeff Ehresman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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Pannu JS, Simpson MC, Adjei Boakye E, Massa ST, Cass LM, Challapalli SD, Rohde RL, Osazuwa-Peters N. Survival outcomes for head and neck patients with Medicaid: A health insurance paradox. Head Neck 2021; 43:2136-2147. [PMID: 33780066 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Privately insured patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) typically have better outcomes; however, differential outcome among Medicaid versus the uninsured is unclear. We aimed to describe outcome disparities among HNC patients uninsured versus on Medicaid. METHODS A cohort of 18-64-year-old adults (n = 57 920) with index HNC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 database (2007-2015) was analyzed using Fine and Gray multivariable competing risks proportional hazards models for HNC-specific mortality. RESULTS Medicaid (sdHR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.58, 1.72) and uninsured patients (sdHR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.46, 1.65) had significantly greater mortality hazard than non-Medicaid patients. Medicaid patients had increased HNC mortality hazard than those uninsured. CONCLUSION Compared with those uninsured, HNC patients on Medicaid did not have superior survival, suggesting that there may be underlying mechanisms/factors inherent in this patient population that could undermine access to care benefits from being on Medicaid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaibir S Pannu
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Matthew C Simpson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric Adjei Boakye
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA.,Simmons Cancer Center, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Sean T Massa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lauren M Cass
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sai D Challapalli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rebecca L Rohde
- Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke Cancer Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Financial worry and psychological distress among cancer survivors in the United States, 2013-2018. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:5523-5535. [PMID: 33725174 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing proportion of cancer survivors experience financial toxicity. However, the psychological burden of cancer costs and associated mental health outcomes require further investigation. We assessed prevalence and predictors of self-reported financial worry and mental health outcomes among cancer survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for adults reporting a cancer diagnosis were used. Multivariable ordinal logistic regressions defined adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of reporting financial worry by relevant sociodemographic variables, and sample weight-adjusted prevalence of financial worry was estimated. The association between financial worry and psychological distress, as defined by the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was also assessed. RESULTS Among 13,361 survey participants (median age 67; 60.0% female), 9567 (71.6%) self-reported financial worry, including worries regarding costs of paying for children's college education (62.7%), maintaining one's standard of living (59.7%), and medical costs due to illness or accident (58.3%). Female sex, younger age, and Asian American race were associated with increased odds of financial worry (P < 0.05 for all). Of 13,218 participants with complete responses to K6 questions, 701 (5.3%) met the threshold for severe psychological distress. Participants endorsing financial worry were more likely to have psychological distress (6.6 vs. 1.2%, AOR 2.89, 95% CI 2.03-4.13, P< 0.001) with each additional worry conferring 23.9% increased likelihood of psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS A majority of cancer survivors reported financial worry, which was associated with greater odds of reporting psychological distress. Policies and guidelines are needed to identify and mitigate financial worries and psychologic distress among patients with cancer, with the goal of improving psychological well-being and overall cancer survivorship care.
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40
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Singh R, Richter KR, Pollock JR, Haglin JM, Richter RA, Meyer FB. An Analysis of Political Contributions from Neurosurgeons in the United States. World Neurosurg 2021; 148:e130-e137. [PMID: 33359519 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.12.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S. health care policy intensifies, political advocacy and campaign contributions have become increasingly relevant. This study describes the trends of political contributions of U.S. neurosurgeons from the years 2003-2019. METHODS Individual contribution data from 2003-2019 were obtained from the Federal Election Commission website. Contributions were filtered for occupation lines matching either "neurosurg," "neurologic surgeon," or "neurological surgeon." Each contribution is designated to a recipient committee associated with a political candidate or group. The party designations of these committees were used to catalogue donations as "Republican," "Democratic," or "Independent." RESULTS From 2003-2019 a total of 9242 political donations were made by self-identified neurosurgeons amounting to $8,469,121. Most of these contribution dollars were directed to Independent committees (47.9%). Of all Independent contribution dollars from 2005-2019, 95.9% were directed to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Political Action Committee. The total number of unique contributions increased from 442 contributions in 2003 to 650 in 2019. Democrats experienced the most substantial increase in support, from 4.8% of all contribution dollars in 2003 to 26.3% in 2019. Republican support was noted to be more widespread across the United States compared with Democratic support. CONCLUSIONS Political contributions from U.S. neurosurgeons have increased steadily over time. Donations were largely Independent but became increasingly partisan in recent years. Overall, this displays an increase in political involvement among the neurosurgeon community. Future studies are warranted into how this involvement translates to representative health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohin Singh
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona.
| | - Kent R Richter
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | | | - Jack M Haglin
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | | | - Fredric B Meyer
- Mayo Clinic Department of Neurological Surgery, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Heyer A, Granberg RE, Rising KL, Binder AF, Gentsch AT, Handley NR. Medical Oncology Professionals' Perceptions of Telehealth Video Visits. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2033967. [PMID: 33443581 PMCID: PMC7809588 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.33967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Telehealth has emerged as a means of improving access and reducing cost for medical oncology care; however, use by specialists prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic still remained low. Medical oncology professionals' perceptions of telehealth for cancer care are largely unknown, but are critical to telehealth utilization and expansion efforts. OBJECTIVE To identify medical oncology health professionals' perceptions of the barriers to and benefits of telehealth video visits. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study used interviews conducted from October 30, 2019, to March 5, 2020, of medical oncology health professionals at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, an urban academic health system in the US with a cancer center. All medical oncology physicians, physicians assistants, and nurse practitioners at the hospital were eligible to participate. A combination of volunteer and convenience sampling was used, resulting in the participation of 29 medical oncology health professionals, including 20 physicians and 9 advanced practice professionals, in semistructured interviews. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Medical oncology health professionals' perceptions of barriers to and benefits of telehealth video visits as experienced by patients receiving cancer treatment. RESULTS Of the 29 participants, 15 (52%) were women and 22 (76%) were White, with a mean (SD) age of 48.5 (12.0) years. Respondents' perceptions were organized using the 4 domains of the National Quality Forum framework: clinical effectiveness, patient experience, access to care, and financial impact. Respondents disagreed on the clinical effectiveness and potential limitations of the virtual physical examination, as well as on the financial impact on patients. Respondents also largely recognized the convenience and improved access to care enabled by telehealth for patients. However, many reported concern regarding the health professional-patient relationship and their limited ability to comfort patients in a virtual setting. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Medical oncology health professionals shared conflicting opinions regarding the barriers to and benefits of telehealth in regard to clinical effectiveness, patient experience, access to care, and financial impact. Understanding oncologists' perceptions of telehealth elucidates potential barriers that need to be further investigated or improved for telehealth expansion and continued utilization; further research is ongoing to assess current perceptions of health professionals and patients given the rapid expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Heyer
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Kristin L. Rising
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adam F. Binder
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexzandra T. Gentsch
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nathan R. Handley
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Dee EC, Muralidhar V, Butler SS, Yu Z, Sha ST, Mahal BA, Nguyen PL, Sanford NN. General and Health-Related Internet Use Among Cancer Survivors in the United States: A 2013-2018 Cross-Sectional Analysis. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2020; 18:1468-1475. [PMID: 33152707 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2020.7591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant proportion of cancer survivors endorse ongoing health information needs and may use the internet to access information. We assessed patterns and predictors of general and health-specific internet use among cancer survivors. METHODS Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which was administered in 2013 through 2018, for adults reporting a cancer diagnosis, sample weight-adjusted estimates defined prevalence and multivariable logistic regressions defined adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of general and health-specific internet use, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic covariates, including healthcare satisfaction as the primary independent variable. The analysis for health-specific internet use was also repeated including a sex (female vs male)*healthcare satisfaction (very satisfied/somewhat satisfied vs somewhat dissatisfied/very dissatisfied) interaction term. RESULTS Among 12,970 survivors of cancer, general and health-specific internet use increased from 2013 to 2018 (from 63.2% to 70.8% and from 46.8% to 52.2%, respectively; P<.05 for both). Survivors who were very dissatisfied with healthcare were more likely to use the internet for health information compared with those who were very satisfied (59.5% vs 48.0%; aOR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.20-2.64; P=.004). Younger age, female sex, higher educational attainment, and higher socioeconomic status were all associated with increased reported use of the internet for both general and health-specific purposes (P<.001 for all). There was a significant sex*healthcare satisfaction interaction (P=.009) such that for female survivors, healthcare dissatisfaction was associated with higher odds of health-specific internet use (61.4% vs 52.5%; P<.001; men, P=.97). No association was found between healthcare satisfaction and general internet use (P=.42). CONCLUSIONS The increasing proportion of survivors of cancer using the internet for health-specific information may be associated with self-reported dissatisfaction with healthcare. Efforts are needed to improve both access to the internet and the quality of cancer-relevant online health information, and to enhance patients' online health literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Santino S Butler
- Harvard Medical School, and.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Sybil T Sha
- Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Brandon A Mahal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and.,Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida; and
| | | | - Nina N Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Thomas T, Hughes T, Mady L, Belcher SM. Financial Toxicity: A Review of the Literature and Nursing Opportunities. Clin J Oncol Nurs 2020; 23:5-13. [PMID: 31538991 DOI: 10.1188/19.cjon.s2.5-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have demonstrated the negative effects of the costs of cancer care on the health and well-being of patients with cancer. Nurses require knowledge of the risk factors, experiences, and outcomes associated with financial toxicity prior to designing evidence-based studies and protocols to address financial toxicity. OBJECTIVES This article summarizes the state of the science in financial toxicity among patients with cancer, with the goal of guiding nurses in leading research and evidence-based practice efforts to decrease the impact of financial toxicity on patient outcomes. METHODS The authors reviewed published research, theoretical models, and research grants that focus on financial toxicity among patients with cancer. The authors also synthesized study findings and project goals while emphasizing opportunities for nurses to meaningfully engage within this area as researchers and clinicians. FINDINGS Substantial cross-sectional descriptive work documents the risk factors, experiences, and outcomes of financial toxicity. Future work should address methodologic concerns by using comprehensive, validated measures and applying conceptual models to design and test financial toxicity interventions using prospective, rigorous methodologies. The authors propose a conceptual model to assist researchers and clinicians.
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44
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Hsiang W, Han X, Jemal A, Nguyen KA, Shuch B, Park H, Yu JB, Gross CP, Davidoff AJ, Leapman MS. The Association Between the Affordable Care Act and Insurance Status, Stage and Treatment in Patients with Testicular Cancer. UROLOGY PRACTICE 2020; 7:252-258. [PMID: 34017908 PMCID: PMC8130174 DOI: 10.1097/upj.0000000000000109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to determine whether insurance expansions implemented through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were associated with changes in coverage status, disease stage, and treatment of younger adults with testicular germ cell tumors (GCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified men aged 18-64 diagnosed with testicular GCTs between 2010 and 2015 in the National Cancer Data Base. We defined time periods as: pre-ACA (2010-2013) and post-ACA (2014-2015) and used difference-in-differences (DID) modeling to examine associations between state Medicaid expansion status and changes in insurance, stage at diagnosis, and treatment. RESULTS Following the ACA, the proportion of patients with any health insurance increased 3.7% (95% CI 3-4.5) in Medicaid expansion states and 3.0% (95% CI 1.5-4.5) in non-expansion states, mainly by gaining Medicaid and private insurance, respectively. The largest increases occurred in low-income patients, where Medicaid expansion was associated with an adjusted increase of 14.5 percentage points (95% CI 7.2-21.8) in Medicaid coverage following the ACA. We did not observe reductions in late-stage diagnoses during the observation period. Changes in the proportion of patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation for advanced-stage cancers were ongoing prior to the ACA and differed between expansion and non-expansion states, limiting assessment of ACA-related effects on individual treatments. CONCLUSIONS Post-ACA, the proportion of newly diagnosed testicular cancer patients with health insurance increased, with the largest effects seen among lowest income individuals. Our findings that changes in practice preceded the ACA and differed by expansion status highlight the need for caution in assessing the legislation's impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, Department of Intramural Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, Department of Intramural Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kevin A. Nguyen
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Brian Shuch
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Urology
| | - Henry Park
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Therapeutic Radiology
- Yale Cancer Outcomes Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center
| | - James B. Yu
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Therapeutic Radiology
- Yale Cancer Outcomes Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center
| | - Cary P. Gross
- Yale Cancer Outcomes Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine
| | - Amy J. Davidoff
- Yale Cancer Outcomes Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center
- Yale University School of Public Health
| | - Michael S. Leapman
- Yale Cancer Outcomes Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Urology
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45
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Alty IG, Dee EC, Cusack JC, Blaszkowsky LS, Goldstone RN, Francone TD, Wo JY, Qadan M. Refusal of surgery for colon cancer: Sociodemographic disparities and survival implications among US patients with resectable disease. Am J Surg 2020; 221:39-45. [PMID: 32723488 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to identify factors associated with refusal of surgery among patients with colon cancer. METHODS This 2004-2016 NCDB retrospective study identified AJCC stage I-III colon cancer patients who were recommended surgery. Multivariable logistic regression defined adjusted odds ratios of refusing treatment, with sociodemographic and clinical covariates. Treatment propensity-adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratios defined differential survival stratified by clinical stage, controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS Of 170,594 patients recommended surgery, 1116 refused. Increased rates of surgery refusal were associated with older age, African American race, CDCC>3, and female sex. Decreased rates of surgery refusal were associated with higher income and private insurance. Stratifying by stage, refusal rates among African Americans remained disparately high. Refusal of surgery was associated with worse overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Disparate rates of refusal of surgery for resectable colon cancer by race and other sociodemographic factors highlight potential treatment adherence reinforcement beneficiaries, necessitating further study of shared decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James C Cusack
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer Y Wo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA, USA
| | - Motaz Qadan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA, USA.
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46
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Williams CP, Pisu M, Azuero A, Kenzik KM, Nipp RD, Aswani MS, Mennemeyer ST, Pierce JY, Rocque GB. Health Insurance Literacy and Financial Hardship in Women Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2020; 16:e529-e537. [DOI: 10.1200/jop.19.00563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE: In patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), low health insurance literacy may be associated with adverse material conditions, psychological response, and coping behaviors because of financial hardship (FH). This study explored the relationship between health insurance literacy and FH in women with MBC. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data collected from 84 women receiving MBC treatment at 2 southeastern cancer centers. Low health insurance literacy was defined as not knowing premium or deductible costs. FH was defined by lifestyle changes as a result of medical expenses, financial toxicity, and medical care modifications attributable to cost. Mean differences were calculated using Cramer’s V. Associations between health insurance literacy and FH were estimated with adjusted linear models. RESULTS: Half of the surveyed patients had low health insurance literacy, 26% were underinsured, 45% had private insurance, 39% had Medicare, and 15% had Medicaid. Patients with low health insurance literacy more often reported borrowing money (19% v 4%; V = 0.35); an inability to pay for basic necessities like food, heat, or rent (10% v 4%; V = 0.18); and skipping a procedure (8% v 1%; V = 0.21), medical test (7% v 0%; V = 0.30), or treatment (4% v 0%; V = 0.20) compared with patients with high health insurance literacy. Median Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity was 23 (interquartile range, 17-29). In adjusted models, health insurance literacy was not associated with financial toxicity. CONCLUSION: Low health insurance literacy was common in women receiving MBC treatment. Additional research to increase health insurance literacy could lessen undesirable material FH and unnecessary behavioral FH associated with cancer-related care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney P. Williams
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Andres Azuero
- School of Nursing, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Kelly M. Kenzik
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
| | - Ryan D. Nipp
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Monica S. Aswani
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Health Professions, Birmingham, AL
| | | | | | - Gabrielle B. Rocque
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Barnes JM, Johnson KJ, Adjei Boakye E, Sethi RKV, Varvares MA, Osazuwa‐Peters N. Impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on cost‐related medication underuse in nonelderly adult cancer survivors. Cancer 2020; 126:2892-2899. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly J. Johnson
- Brown School Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis Missouri
| | - Eric Adjei Boakye
- Department of Population Science and Policy Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Springfield Illinois
- Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Springfield Illinois
| | - Rosh K. V. Sethi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
| | - Mark A. Varvares
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
| | - Nosayaba Osazuwa‐Peters
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Saint Louis University School of Medicine St. Louis Missouri
- Saint Louis University Cancer Center St. Louis Missouri
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48
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Shaver AL, Cao Y, Noyes K. General Health Care Utilization Among Nonelderly Cancer Survivors Before and After Affordable Care Act Implementation: Early Results. JCO Oncol Pract 2020; 16:e581-e589. [PMID: 32069189 DOI: 10.1200/jop.19.00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The number of nonelderly cancer survivors is expected to grow and so are their health care costs. Many cancer survivors worry about medical bills. This study examined the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on the rate of insurance, average annual health care expenditure, and patient care experience among cancer survivors and investigated the patient characteristics that were associated with highly rated care experiences before and after ACA implementation. METHODS The study is a cross-sectional analysis of adult, nonelderly cancer survivors in the 2011 and 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey who completed health care experience questionnaires. Percent covered by insurance both before and after the ACA was calculated, including total out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses as a percentage of overall health care expenditure per patient. Regression was performed to determine characteristics associated with patient experience ratings. RESULTS Health insurance coverage for cancer survivors was higher in 2016 than in 2011 (98.4% v 94.4%; P = .006). OOP spending as a percentage of health care expenditure among those with expenses decreased and was most striking in those with no insurance. Privately insured individuals were 3 times as likely to rate their care experience high compared with those with no insurance (odds ratio, 3.31; P < .0001). Those with above-average ratings of self-health and with few comorbidities rated their care experiences highly. CONCLUSION After the ACA, OOP costs have decreased for all types of insurance coverage. The association between patient experience and health status warrants additional study to better manage and coordinate the care of such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Shaver
- Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Ying Cao
- Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Katia Noyes
- Division of Health Services Policy and Practice, Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
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Sanford NN, Lam MB, Butler SS, Ahn C, Beg MS, Aizer AA, Mahal BA. Self-reported Reasons and Patterns of Noninsurance Among Cancer Survivors Before and After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act, 2000-2017. JAMA Oncol 2019; 5:e191973. [PMID: 31091534 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.1973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Cancer survivors experience difficulties in maintaining health care coverage, but the reasons and risk factors for lack of insurance are poorly defined. Objective To assess self-reported reasons for not having insurance and demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with uninsured status among cancer survivors, before and after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study analyzes National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2017. Included were adult participants (age, 18-64 years) reporting a cancer diagnosis; however, those with a diagnosis of nonmelanoma skin cancer were excluded. Exposures Insurance status. Main Outcomes and Measures Multivariable logistic regression was used to define the association between demographic and socioeconomic variables and odds of being uninsured. The prevalence of the most common self-reported reasons for not having insurance (cost, unemployment, employment-related reason, family-related reason) were estimated, with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for each of the reasons defined by multivariable logistic regression. Results Among 17 806 survey participants, the mean (SD) age was 50.9 (10.8) years, and 6121 (34.4%) were men. A total of 1842 participants (10.3%) reported not having health insurance. Individuals surveyed in 2000 to 2013 had higher odds of not having insurance than those surveyed in 2014 to 2017 (10.6% vs 6.2%; aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.49-2.08). Variables associated with higher odds of uninsured status included younger age (14.2% for age younger than mean vs 6.5% for age older than mean; aOR, 1.84; 95%, CI, 1.62-2.10), annual family income below the poverty threshold (21.4% vs 8.0%; aOR, 1.97; 95%, CI, 1.69-2.30), Hispanic ethnicity (18.8% vs 9.0%; aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.51-2.33), noncitizen status (24.3% vs 9.2%; aOR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.69-3.34), and current smoking (18.6% vs. 6.7%; aOR, 2.65; 95% CI, 2.32-3.02). Before the ACA, increasing interval from cancer diagnosis was associated with not having insurance (12.3% for ≥6 years vs 8.9% for 0-5 years; aOR, 1.47; 95% CI 1.26-1.70) as was black race (13.9% for black patients vs 10.4% for nonblack patients; AOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04-1.61), but after the ACA, they no longer were (6.8% for ≥6 years vs 5.6% for 0-5 years; aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.82-1.54; and 6.9% for black patients vs 6.2% for nonblack patients; aOR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.46-1.43). The most commonly cited reason for not having insurance was cost, followed by unemployment, both of which decreased after ACA implementation (cost, 49.6% vs 37.6%, aOR [pre-ACA vs post-ACA], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.46-0.85; unemployment, 37.1% vs 28.5%; aOR 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45-0.87). Conclusions and Relevance The proportion of uninsured cancer survivors decreased after implementation of the ACA, but certain subgroups remained at greater risk of being uninsured. Cost was identified as the primary barrier to obtaining insurance, although more than half of cancer survivors reported other barriers to coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina N Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Miranda B Lam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Santino S Butler
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chul Ahn
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Muhammad S Beg
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Ayal A Aizer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brandon A Mahal
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute McGraw/Patterson Center for Population Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts
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Sanford NN, Sher DJ, Butler SS, Xu X, Ahn C, Aizer AA, Mahal BA. Prevalence of chronic pain among cancer survivors in the United States, 2010‐2017. Cancer 2019; 125:4310-4318. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nina N. Sanford
- Department of Radiation Oncology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas
- Harold Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas
| | - David J. Sher
- Department of Radiation Oncology University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas
| | - Santino S. Butler
- Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts
| | - Xiaohan Xu
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Sciences University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas
- Department of Statistical Science Southern Methodist University Dallas Texas
| | - Chul Ahn
- Department of Clinical Sciences University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas
- Harold Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas
| | - Ayal A. Aizer
- Department of Radiation Oncology Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston Massachusetts
| | - Brandon A. Mahal
- McGraw/Patterson Center for Population Sciences Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts
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