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Zhao J, Zhang N, Hilal T, Griffin JM, Yabroff KR, Khera N. Health insurance literacy among patients receiving outpatient cancer treatment. Cancer 2024. [PMID: 39017818 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35439] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines patients' understanding of health insurance terms and concepts and quantifies health insurance literacy (HIL) levels by key sociodemographic factors. METHODS This study included 393 adult patients with cancer (>18 years old) receiving treatment in two ambulatory infusion centers: Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona and the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Respondents' perceptions of their HIL were assessed using the Health Insurance Literacy Measure (HILM), a validated 21-item measure of a consumer's ability to select and use health insurance (HIL self-efficacy). Respondents' knowledge of health insurance concepts (HIL knowledge) was measured using 10 items created by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The number of correct answers was categorized into three levels: 0-4 (low knowledge), 5-6 (moderate knowledge), and 7-10 (high knowledge). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare correct answers to HIL knowledge questions by HIL self-efficacy. RESULTS Nearly three-quarters of patients had high HIL self-efficacy and high HIL knowledge (70.5%), understanding basic insurance terms, such as premiums and deductibles. Relatively low percentages of patients correctly answered questions about the meaning of provider networks, health insurance formularies, and calculating out-of-pocket spending in scenarios when insurers pay a portion of allowed charges. Lower HIL knowledge was more common among patients with less educational attainment ( CONCLUSIONS Efforts to improve HIL and navigation of health insurance plan features are required, especially for socioeconomically vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Talal Hilal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nandita Khera
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Leonard S, Helstrom E, Correa A, Sindhani M, Uzzo N, Jia AY, Kutikov A, Uzzo R, Psutka SP, Calaway A, Klaassen Z, Staehler M, Smaldone M, Wallis CJD, Bukavina L. Financial Distress in Genitourinary Cancer: Insights From CDC National Health Interview Survey. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2300733. [PMID: 39008789 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study leverages CDC National Health Interview Survey data to examine Financial Distress (FD) among genitourinary (GU) cancer survivors, specifically prostate cancer (PC), kidney cancer (KC), and bladder cancer (BC). It investigates the economic impacts faced by these patients, especially in relation to disparities in insurance coverage and its effects on material, psychological, and behavioral aspects of FD. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed responses from GU cancer survivors, stratifying by cancer status and age (18-64 years, ≥65 years). Medical financial hardship was divided into three domains: material, psychological, and behavioral. Associations between cancer history, hardship, and clinical factors were assessed using generalized ordinal logistic regressions. RESULTS Significant health care access disparities were found, particularly for mental health services, with 25% of younger BC survivors and 4.7% of younger KC survivors reporting affordability issues, in contrast to 2.7% of noncancer individuals. Dental care was also problematic, with higher avoidance rates among younger BC (27%) and KC (15%) survivors compared with the general population. Surprisingly, noncancer individuals reported more difficulty in affording prescriptions than BC survivors across both age groups. PC survivors, however, showed lower FD across all domains versus noncancer controls, indicating fewer concerns about medical bills and a lesser tendency to forgo care. CONCLUSION The study underscores significant gaps in the financial support system for GU cancer survivors, with urgent needs in mental and dental health care access. Policy interventions, including comprehensive insurance reforms, are imperative to alleviate the financial burdens on these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mohit Sindhani
- India Institute of Technology, Delhi, India
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - Angela Y Jia
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | | | | | - Sarah P Psutka
- University of Washington Medical Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Adam Calaway
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Zachary Klaassen
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | | | | | | | - Laura Bukavina
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
- Cleveland Clinic Glickman Urologic Institute, Cleveland, OH
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Waters AR, Wheeler SB, Tan KR, Rosenstein DL, Roberson ML, Kirchhoff AC, Kent EE. Material, Psychological, and Behavioral Financial Hardship Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Cancer Survivors in the United States. JCO Oncol Pract 2024:OP2400114. [PMID: 38991169 DOI: 10.1200/op.24.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Driven by anti-LGBTQ+ stigma, emerging literature suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) cancer survivors experience financial hardship (FH) more frequently than heterosexual survivors. However, few studies have used nationally representative samples to estimate this inequity. METHODS National Health Interview Survey data from 2019 to 2022 were pooled and weighted. Outcomes included material, psychological, and behavioral FH. The behavioral domain was further broken down into subdomains including medical care, prescription medications, and mental health care. Multivariable logit models controlling for a variety of factors were used to generate LGB and heterosexual predicted probabilities and differential effects for each FH outcome. Stratified estimates were generated by sex and age groups. RESULTS A total of N = 374 LGB and N = 12,757 heterosexual cancer survivors were included in this analysis. In adjusted analyses, LGB cancer survivors had significantly higher material (19%, 95% CI, 15 to 24 v 12%, 95% CI, 11 to 13; P = .004), psychological (44%, 95% CI, 38 to 51 v 37%, 95% CI, 36 to 38; P = .035), and behavioral (23%, 95% CI, 18 to 28 v 13%, 95% CI, 13 to 14; P < .0001) FH than heterosexual survivors. LGB cancer survivors also had higher medical behavioral (11%, 95% CI, 7 to 15 v 7%, 95% CI, 6 to 7; P = .030), prescription medication behavioral (14%, 95% CI, 10 to 19 v 10%, 95% CI, 9 to 10; P = .032), and mental health behavioral (9%, 95% CI, 6 to 13 v 3%, 95% CI, 3 to 4; P < .0001) FH than heterosexual survivors. Stratified estimates revealed young LGB cancer survivors had the highest probability of each outcome (material: 31%, 95% CI, 23 to 40; psychological: 58%, 95% CI, 50 to 66; behavioral: 45%, 95% CI, 36 to 53). CONCLUSION In this nationally representative analysis, LGB cancer survivors experience substantial inequities in all FH outcomes. It is crucial that future FH interventional work should prioritize populations at the highest risk of FH, such as LGB cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin R Waters
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kelly R Tan
- Department of Health and Community Systems, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Hillman Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Donald L Rosenstein
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Mya L Roberson
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Erin E Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Yabroff KR, Doran JF, Zhao J, Chino F, Shih YCT, Han X, Zheng Z, Bradley CJ, Bryant MF. Cancer diagnosis and treatment in working-age adults: Implications for employment, health insurance coverage, and financial hardship in the United States. CA Cancer J Clin 2024; 74:341-358. [PMID: 38652221 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21837] [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] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The rising costs of cancer care and subsequent medical financial hardship for cancer survivors and families are well documented in the United States. Less attention has been paid to employment disruptions and loss of household income after a cancer diagnosis and during treatment, potentially resulting in lasting financial hardship, particularly for working-age adults not yet age-eligible for Medicare coverage and their families. In this article, the authors use a composite patient case to illustrate the adverse consequences of cancer diagnosis and treatment for employment, health insurance coverage, household income, and other aspects of financial hardship. They summarize existing research and provide nationally representative estimates of multiple aspects of financial hardship and health insurance coverage, benefit design, and employee benefits, such as paid sick leave, among working-age adults with a history of cancer and compare them with estimates among working-age adults without a history of cancer from the most recently available years of the National Health Interview Survey (2019-2021). Then, the authors identify opportunities for addressing employment and health insurance coverage challenges at multiple levels, including federal, state, and local policies; employers; cancer care delivery organizations; and nonprofit organizations. These efforts, when informed by research to identify best practices, can potentially help mitigate the financial hardship associated with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California-Los Angeles Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cathy J Bradley
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center and Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Desai R, Jiang Y, VanWagner LB, Singal AG, Lieber SR. Financial burden in a US cohort of patients with HCC. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0453. [PMID: 38829203 PMCID: PMC11150032 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High financial burden for patients has been reported for multiple types of cancer, but there are limited data in those with HCC. We aimed to describe the financial burden for patients diagnosed with HCC and identify correlates of high financial burden. METHODS We used the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus for Academics database to identify commercially insured patients diagnosed with HCC between 2006 and 2021. Patient financial liability was defined as the difference between allowed and paid amounts from adjudicated insurance claims. We reported total and HCC-related financial liabilities (i.e., cost for HCC-related claims), with high total financial liability defined as ≥$3000 annually and high HCC-related financial liability as ≥$1000 annually. We used multivariable logistic regression modeling to identify factors associated with high total and HCC-related financial liability. RESULTS Among 11,609 patients with HCC, the median total financial liability during the year after HCC diagnosis was $2955 (Q1-Q3: $972-$6293). Nearly half (45%) of patients experienced high total financial liability, with the greatest liability incurred in the 3-month period immediately following HCC diagnosis. Older age, increased comorbidity, and cirrhosis-related complications were associated with higher total patient liability. Patient liability also varied by type of HCC treatment, with systemic therapy and liver transplantation having the highest financial liability in multivariable analysis. However, only 66.7% of the patients experienced HCC-related liability. CONCLUSIONS Patients with HCC experience significant financial liability underscoring a need for price transparency as well as financial counseling in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Desai
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Yue Jiang
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa B. VanWagner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah R. Lieber
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Liu Q, Qu Z, Dong H, Qi Y, Wu J, Zhang W, Wang X, Wang Z, Fang Y, Wang J. Trends in cancer-related suicide in the United States: a population-based epidemiology study spanning 40 years of data. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:213. [PMID: 38802377 PMCID: PMC11130301 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02917-9] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Large cohort studies examining trends in cancer-related suicide are lacking. We analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, encompassing a total of 4,870,410 patients diagnosed with cancer from 1975 to 2017 in the United States. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) of age-adjusted rates of suicide. In the past 40 years, we revealed a gradual increase in cancer-related suicide rates from 1975 to 1989, followed by a gradual decrease from 1989 to 2013, and a marked decrease from 2013 to 2017. These trends suggested the potential impact of advancements in psychosocial care for patients with cancer in contributing to the observed decrease in suicide rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zheng Qu
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yihang Qi
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Wu
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wenxiang Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhongzhao Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Hu J, Khan M, Chen X, Revere L, Hong YR. Comparison of Financial Hardship and Healthcare Utilizations Associated with Cancer in the United States Medicare Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1049. [PMID: 38786459 PMCID: PMC11121441 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12101049] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with cancer often face significant financial challenges due to the expensive nature of cancer treatments and increased cost-sharing responsibilities. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the financial hardships and healthcare utilizations faced by those enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) compared to those in traditional fee-for-service Medicare (TM) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study aims to investigate the subjective financial hardships experienced by individuals enrolled in TM and MA and to determine whether these two Medicare programs exhibit differences in healthcare utilization during the pandemic. METHODS We utilized data from the 2020-2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), focusing on nationally representative samples of cancer survivors aged 65 or older. Financial hardship was categorized into three distinct groups: material (e.g., problems with medical bills), psychological (e.g., worry about paying), and behavioral (e.g., delayed care due to cost). Healthcare utilization included wellness visits (preventive care), emergency care services, hospitalizations, and telehealth. We used survey design-adjusted analysis to compare the study outcomes between MA and TM. RESULTS Among a weighted sample of 4.4 million Medicare beneficiaries with cancer (mean age: 74.9), 76% were enrolled in MA plans. Cancer survivors with a college degree (59.3% vs. 49.8%) and high family income (38.2% vs. 31.1%) were more likely to enroll in MA plans. There were no significant differences in any material, psychological, or behavioral financial hardship domains between beneficiaries with MA and TM plans except forgone counseling due to cost. For healthcare utilization measures, cancer survivors in MA were more likely than those in TM to have flu vaccination (77.2% vs. 70.1%) and experience lower hospitalizations (16.0% vs. 20.0%). However, there were no differences in other health service utilizations between MA and TM. CONCLUSION While no significant differences were observed in any materialized, psychological, or behavioral financial hardships, older cancer survivors enrolled in MA plans were more likely to receive vaccinations and lower hospitalization rates during COVID-19. Although other preventive or primary care visits (i.e., wellness visits) were higher, their difference did not reach statistical significance. As MA grows in popularity, it is essential to consistently monitor and evaluate the performance and outcomes of Medicare plans for cancer survivors as we navigate the post-pandemic landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Hu
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.H.); (M.K.); (L.R.)
| | - Mishal Khan
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.H.); (M.K.); (L.R.)
| | - Xiaobei Chen
- College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Lee Revere
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.H.); (M.K.); (L.R.)
| | - Young-Rock Hong
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (J.H.); (M.K.); (L.R.)
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Mendelsohn RB, Hahn AI, Palmaira RL, Saxena AR, Mukthinuthalapati PK, Schattner MA, Markowitz AJ, Ludwig E, Shah P, Calo D, Gerdes H, Yaeger R, Stadler Z, Zauber AG, Cercek A. Early-onset Colorectal Cancer Patients Do Not Require Shorter Intervals for Post-surgical Surveillance Colonoscopy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:S1542-3565(24)00436-1. [PMID: 38729386 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.04.029] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC), diagnosed before age 50, is rising in incidence worldwide. Although post-surgical colonoscopy surveillance strategies exist, appropriate intervals in EO-CRC remain elusive, as long-term surveillance outcomes remain scant. We sought to compare findings of surveillance colonoscopies of EO-CRC with patients with average onset colorectal cancer (AO-CRC) to help define surveillance outcomes in these groups. METHODS Single-institution retrospective chart review identified EO-CRC and AO-CRC patients with colonoscopy and no evidence of disease. Surveillance intervals and time to development of advanced neoplasia (CRC and advanced polyps [adenoma/sessile serrated]) were examined. For each group, 3 serial surveillance colonoscopies were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing log-ranked Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards. RESULTS A total of 1259 patients with CRC were identified, with 612 and 647 patients in the EO-CRC and AO-CRC groups, respectively. Compared with patients with AO-CRC, patients with EO-CRC had a 29% decreased risk of developing advanced neoplasia from time of initial surgery to first surveillance colonoscopy (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-1.0). Average follow-up time from surgical resection to first surveillance colonoscopy was 12.6 months for both cohorts. Overall surveillance findings differed between cohorts (P = .003), and patients with EO-CRC were found to have less advanced neoplasia compared with their counterparts with AO-CRC (12.4% vs 16.0%, respectively). Subsequent colonoscopies found that, while patients with EO-CRC returned for follow-up surveillance colonoscopy earlier than patients with AO-CRC, the EO-CRC cohort did not have more advanced neoplasia nor non-advanced adenomas. CONCLUSIONS Patients with EO-CRC do not have an increased risk of advanced neoplasia compared with patients with AO-CRC and therefore do not require more frequent colonoscopy surveillance than current guidelines recommend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin B Mendelsohn
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
| | - Anne I Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Randze Lerie Palmaira
- Collaborative Research Centers Department, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Asha R Saxena
- Solid Tumor Gastrointestinal Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Pavan Kedar Mukthinuthalapati
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Division of Gastroenterology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Mark A Schattner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Arnold J Markowitz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Emmy Ludwig
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Pari Shah
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Delia Calo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Hans Gerdes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Rona Yaeger
- Solid Tumor Gastrointestinal Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Zsofia Stadler
- Solid Tumor Gastrointestinal Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ann G Zauber
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Andrea Cercek
- Solid Tumor Gastrointestinal Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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Astorino JA, Pratt-Chapman ML, Schubel L, Lee Smith J, White A, Sabatino SA, Littlejohn R, Buckley BO, Taylor T, Arem H. Contextual Factors Relevant to Implementing Social Risk Factor Screening and Referrals in Cancer Survivorship: A Qualitative Study. Prev Chronic Dis 2024; 21:E22. [PMID: 38573795 PMCID: PMC10996388 DOI: 10.5888/pcd21.230352] [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] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Social risk factors such as food insecurity and lack of transportation can negatively affect health outcomes, yet implementation of screening and referral for social risk factors is limited in medical settings, particularly in cancer survivorship. Methods We conducted 18 qualitative, semistructured interviews among oncology teams in 3 health systems in Washington, DC, during February and March 2022. We applied the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment Framework to develop a deductive codebook, performed thematic analysis on the interview transcripts, and summarized our results descriptively. Results Health systems varied in clinical and support staff roles and capacity. None of the participating clinics had an electronic health record (EHR)-based process for identifying patients who completed their cancer treatment ("survivors") or a standardized cancer survivorship program. Their capacities also differed for documenting social risk factors and referrals in the EHR. Interviewees expressed awareness of the prevalence and effect of social risk factors on cancer survivors, but none employed a systematic process for identifying and addressing social risk factors. Recommendations for increasing screening for social risk factors included designating a person to fulfill this role, improving data tracking tools in the EHR, and creating systems to maintain up-to-date information and contacts for community-based organizations. Conclusion The complexity of cancer care workflows and lack of reimbursement results in a limited ability for clinic staff members to screen and make referrals for social risk factors. Creating clinical workflows that are flexible and tailored to staffing realities may contribute to successful implementation of a screening and referral program. Improving ongoing communication with community-based organizations to address needs was deemed important by interviewees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Astorino
- The George Washington Cancer Center, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Mandi L Pratt-Chapman
- The George Washington Cancer Center, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Laura Schubel
- Healthcare Delivery Research, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Judith Lee Smith
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Arica White
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Susan A Sabatino
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Robin Littlejohn
- Healthcare Delivery Research, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Bryan O Buckley
- Department of General Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Hannah Arem
- Healthcare Delivery Research, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
- MedStar Health Research Institute, 3007 Tilden St NW, Ste 6N, Washington, DC 20008
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10
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Kwon Y, Roberts ET, Degenholtz HB, Jacobs BL, Sabik LM. Association of Medicare eligibility with access to and affordability of care among older cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2024:10.1007/s11764-024-01562-x. [PMID: 38520599 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-024-01562-x] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Older cancer survivors have substantial needs for ongoing care, but they may encounter difficulties accessing care due to cost concerns. We examined whether near-universal insurance coverage through Medicare-a key source of health insurance coverage in this population-is associated with improvements in care access and affordability among older cancer survivors around age 65. METHODS In a nationally representative sample of cancer survivors (aged 50-80) from 2006-2018 National Health Interview Survey, we employed a quasi-experimental, regression discontinuity design to estimate changes in insurance coverage, delayed/skipped care due to cost, and worries about or problems paying medical bills at age 65. RESULTS Medicare coverage sharply increased from 8.3% at age 64 to 98.2% at age 65, ensuring near-universal insurance coverage (99.5%). Medicare eligibility at age 65 was associated with reductions in delayed/skipped care due to cost (discontinuity, - 5.7 percentage points or pp; 95% CI, - 8.1, - 3.3; P < .001), worries about paying for medical bills (- 7.7 pp; 95% CI, - 12.0, - 3.2; P = .001), and problems paying medical bills (- 3.2 pp; 95% CI, - 6.1, - 0.2; P = .036). However, a sizable proportion reported any access or affordability problems (29.7%) between ages 66 and 80. CONCLUSIONS Near-universal Medicare coverage at age 65 was associated with a reduction-but not elimination-of access and affordability problems among cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS These findings reaffirm the role of Medicare in improving access and affordability for older cancer survivor and highlight opportunities for reforms to further alleviate financial burden of care in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngmin Kwon
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh, School of Public Health, A610 Public Health, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
| | - Eric T Roberts
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 423 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Howard B Degenholtz
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh, School of Public Health, A610 Public Health, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Bruce L Jacobs
- Department of Urology, Division of Health Services Research, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3471 Fifth Ave, Suite 801, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Lindsay M Sabik
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh, School of Public Health, A610 Public Health, 130 De Soto Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
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11
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Li L, Zhang D, Li Y, Jain M, Lin X, Hu R, Liu J, Thapa J, Mu L, Chen Z, Liu B, Pagán JA. Medical financial hardship between young adult cancer survivors and matched individuals without cancer in the United States. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2024; 8:pkae007. [PMID: 38366027 PMCID: PMC10903972 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkae007] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adult cancer survivors face medical financial hardships that may lead to delaying or forgoing medical care. This study describes the medical financial difficulties young adult cancer survivors in the United States experience in the post-Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act period. METHOD We identified 1009 cancer survivors aged 18 to 39 years from the National Health Interview Survey (2015-2022) and matched 963 (95%) cancer survivors to 2733 control individuals using nearest-neighbor matching. We used conditional logistic regression to examine the association between cancer history and medical financial hardship and to assess whether this association varied by age, sex, race and ethnicity, and region of residence. RESULTS Compared with those who did not have a history of cancer, young adult cancer survivors were more likely to report material financial hardship (22.8% vs 15.2%; odds ratio = 1.65, 95% confidence interval = 1.50 to 1.81) and behavior-related financial hardship (34.3% vs 24.4%; odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval = 1.49 to 1.76) but not psychological financial hardship (52.6% vs 50.9%; odds ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval = 0.99 to 1.16). Young adult cancer survivors who were Hispanic or lived in the Midwest and South were more likely to report psychological financial hardship than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS We found that young adult cancer survivors were more likely to experience material and behavior-related financial hardship than young adults without a history of cancer. We also identified specific subgroups of young adult cancer survivors that may benefit from targeted policies and interventions to alleviate medical financial hardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Li
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Health Care Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donglan Zhang
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Foundations of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY, USA
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mayuri Jain
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Health Care Delivery Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xingyu Lin
- Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Hu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Junxiu Liu
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janani Thapa
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Lan Mu
- Department of Geography, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Bian Liu
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - José A Pagán
- Department of Public Health Policy and Management, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Schwartz SM. Epidemiology of Cancer. Clin Chem 2024; 70:140-149. [PMID: 38175589 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancers are a large and heterogeneous group of malignant tumors that collectively accounted for approximately 600 000 US deaths in 2020; only heart disease claimed more lives. A large amount of knowledge has accumulated regarding the epidemiology of most cancer types, including their causes. CONTENT The cancer types most frequently diagnosed among adults in most high-income countries are lung, colorectal, female breast, cutaneous melanoma, and prostate. In general cancer incidence and mortality is very low in children and adolescents, rising exponentially with increasing age during adulthood. There is marked international variation in the incidence of most cancers. The most important causes of cancer are tobacco use (primarily cigarette use), excess alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of physical activity, diets low in fruits and vegetables, infectious agents, and sun exposure. Early detection can reduce the chances that a person will die of cancers of the female breast, uterine cervix, colon and rectum, lung, and prostate. SUMMARY Although the most common cancers in the United States continue to have a substantial impact on public health, they are caused in whole or part by factors over which people and governments have control through choices they make. Among these are tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, diets low in fruits and vegetables and lack of physical activity, and sun exposure. Thus, a very large proportion of cancer's impact could be ameliorated if more people avoided these exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Schwartz
- Epidemiology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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13
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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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14
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Thom B, Friedman DN, Aviki EM, Benedict C, Watson SE, Zeitler MS, Chino F. The long-term financial experiences of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:1813-1823. [PMID: 36472761 PMCID: PMC9734817 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01280-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-related financial hardship can negatively impact financial well-being and may prevent adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors (ages 15-39) from gaining financial independence. This analysis explored the financial experiences following diagnosis with cancer among AYA survivors. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous survey of a national sample of AYAs recruited online. The Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) and InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being Scale (IFDFW) assessed financial hardship (cancer-related and general, respectively), and respondents reported related financial consequences and financial coping behaviors (both medical and non-medical). RESULTS Two hundred sixty-seven AYA survivors completed the survey (mean 8.3 years from diagnosis). Financial hardship was high: mean COST score was 13.7 (moderate-to-severe financial toxicity); mean IFDFW score was 4.3 (high financial stress). Financial consequences included post-cancer credit score decrease (44%), debt collection contact (39%), spending more than 10% of income on medical expenses (39%), and lacking money for basic necessities (23%). Financial coping behaviors included taking money from savings (55%), taking on credit card debt (45%), putting off major purchases (45%), and borrowing money (42%). In logistic regression models, general financial distress was associated with increased odds of experiencing financial consequences and engaging in both medical- and non-medical-related financial coping behaviors. DISCUSSION AYA survivors face long-term financial hardship after cancer treatment, which impacts multiple domains, including their use of healthcare and their personal finances. Interventions are needed to provide AYAs with tools to navigate financial aspects of the healthcare system; connect them with resources; and create systems-level solutions to address healthcare affordability. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Survivorship care providers, particularly those who interact with AYA survivors, must be attuned to the unique risk for financial hardships facing this population and make efforts to increase access available interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgette Thom
- Affordability Working Group, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Danielle N Friedman
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emeline M Aviki
- Affordability Working Group, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine Benedict
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford Cancer Institute, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Fumiko Chino
- Affordability Working Group, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Van Houtven CH, Miller KEM, James HJ, Blunt R, Zhang W, Mariani AC, Rose S, Alolod GP, Wilson-Genderson M, Smith VA, Thomson MD, Siminoff LA. Economic costs of family caregiving for persons with advanced stage cancer: a longitudinal cohort study. J Cancer Surviv 2023:10.1007/s11764-023-01462-6. [PMID: 37823982 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01462-6] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To form a multifaceted picture of family caregiver economic costs in advanced cancer. METHODS A multi-site cohort study collected prospective longitudinal data from caregivers of patients with advanced solid tumor cancers. Caregiver survey and out-of-pocket (OOP) receipt data were collected biweekly in-person for up to 24 weeks. Economic cost measures attributed to caregiving were as follows: amount of OOP costs, debt accrual, perceived economic situation, and working for pay. Descriptive analysis illustrates economic outcomes over time. Generalized linear mixed effects models asses the association of objective burden and economic outcomes, controlling for subjective burden and other factors. Objective burden is number of activities and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL) tasks, all caregiving tasks, and amount of time spent caregiving over 24 h. RESULTS One hundred ninety-eight caregivers, 41% identifying as Black, were followed for a mean period of 16 weeks. Median 2-week out-of-pocket costs were $111. One-third of caregivers incurred debt to care for the patient and 24% reported being in an adverse economic situation. Whereas 49.5% reported working at study visit 1, 28.6% of caregivers at the last study visit reported working. In adjusted analysis, a higher number of caregiving tasks overall and ADL/IADL tasks specifically were associated with lower out-of-pocket expenses, a lower likelihood of working, and a higher likelihood of incurring debt and reporting an adverse economic situation. CONCLUSIONS Most caregivers of cancer patients with advanced stage disease experienced direct and indirect economic costs. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Results support the need to find solutions to lessen economic costs for caregivers of persons with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Harold Van Houtven
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Katherine E M Miller
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Hailey J James
- RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Ryan Blunt
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19121, USA
| | - Wenhan Zhang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Abigail Cadua Mariani
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 830 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Sydney Rose
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19121, USA
| | - Gerard P Alolod
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19121, USA
| | - Maureen Wilson-Genderson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19121, USA
| | - Valerie A Smith
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Maria D Thomson
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 830 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Laura A Siminoff
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, 1700 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19121, USA
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16
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Jiang C, Perimbeti S, Deng L, Xing J, Chatta GS, Han X, Gopalakrishnan D. Medicaid expansion and racial disparity in timely multidisciplinary treatment in muscle invasive bladder cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:1188-1193. [PMID: 37314971 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multidisciplinary cancer care (neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy or trimodality therapy) is crucial for outcome of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), a potentially curable illness. Medicaid expansion through Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased insurance coverage especially among patients of racial minorities. This study aims to investigate the association between Medicaid expansion and racial disparity in timely treatment in MIBC. METHODS This quasi-experimental study analyzed Black and White individuals aged 18-64 years with stage II and III bladder cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy or trimodality therapy from National Cancer Database 2008-2018. Primary outcome was timely treatment started within 45 days following cancer diagnosis. Racial disparity is the percentage-point difference between Black and White patients. Patients in expansion and nonexpansion states were compared using difference-in-differences and difference-in-difference-in-differences analyses, controlling for age, sex, area-level income, clinical stage, comorbidity, metropolitan status, treatment type, and year of diagnosis. RESULTS The study included 4991 (92.3% White, n = 4605; 7.7% Black, n = 386) patients. Percentage of Black patients who received timely care increased following the ACA in Medicaid expansion states (54.5% pre-ACA vs 57.4% post-ACA) but decreased in nonexpansion states (69.9% pre-ACA vs 53.7% post-ACA). After adjusting covariates, Medicaid expansion was associated with a net 13.7 percentage-point reduction of Black-White patient disparity in timely receipt of MIBC treatment (95% confidence interval = 0.5% to 26.8%; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Medicaid expansion was associated with statically significant reduction in racial disparity between Black and White patients in timely multidisciplinary treatment for MIBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchuan Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Stuthi Perimbeti
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lei Deng
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jiazhang Xing
- Department of Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Gurkamal S Chatta
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
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17
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Lee MK, Durani U, Zhang N, Hilal T, Warsame RM, Borah B, Khera N, Griffin JM. Relationships Among Health Insurance Literacy, Financial Toxicity, and Sociodemographic Factors in Patients With Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:888-898. [PMID: 37616546 PMCID: PMC10615437 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of the study was to describe the prevalence of health insurance literacy (HIL) and investigate how patient-reported outcome measures assessing HIL are related to financial toxicity in patients with cancer. METHODS We assessed HIL and financial toxicity in 404 patients enrolled between December 2019 and January 2021 at two medical centers in the United States. We conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to explore and test the relationships among the factors and items. We fit structural equation models (SEMs) to find the relationships among the factors and sociodemographic/clinical characteristics. RESULTS The EFA revealed items loaded on four factors: knowledge about health insurance, confidence related to HIL (HIL confidence), information-seeking behavior related to health insurance, and financial toxicity. The four-factor CFA model had good fit statistics (comparative fit index, 0.960; Tucker-Lewis index, 0.958; root mean square error of approximation, 0.046; and standardized root mean square residual, 0.086). In SEM, income, education level, and race positively predicted knowledge about health insurance. Knowledge about health insurance and number of total lines of cancer treatment was positively associated with HIL confidence. Higher income, older age, and HIL confidence were associated with less financial toxicity. Higher levels of financial toxicity, HIL confidence, and knowledge were associated with greater information-seeking behavior. CONCLUSION Our findings showed how different aspects of HIL are related to financial toxicity even after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Future studies should investigate the longitudinal relationships among these factors to help develop interventions to mitigate financial toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji K. Lee
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Urshila Durani
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Talal Hilal
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Mississippi, Jackson, MS
| | - Rahma M. Warsame
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Bijan Borah
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Division of Health Care Delivery Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Nandita Khera
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Joan M. Griffin
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Division of Health Care Delivery Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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18
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Joyce DD, Dusetzina SB. Financial toxicity of oral therapies in advanced prostate cancer. Urol Oncol 2023; 41:363-368. [PMID: 37029039 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.03.002] [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: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The treatment landscape of advanced prostate cancer (CaP) has evolved significantly over the past 20 years. As the number of oral anticancer treatment options continues to increase, so do the costs of these drugs. Furthermore, payment responsibility for these treatments is increasingly shifted from insurers to patients. In this narrative review, we sought to summarize existing assessments of financial toxicity (FT) associated with oral advanced CaP treatments, describe efforts targeted at limiting FT from these agents, and identify areas in need of further investigation. FT is understudied in advanced CaP. Oral treatment options are associated with significantly higher direct costs to patients compared to standard androgen deprivation therapy or chemotherapy. Financial assistance programs, Medicare low-income subsidies, and recent health policy changes help offset these costs for some patients. Physicians are reluctant to discuss treatment costs with patients and further work is needed to better understand best practices for inclusion of FT discussions in shared decision-making. Oral therapies for advanced CaP are associated with significantly higher patient out-of-pocket costs which may contribute to FT. Currently, little is known regarding the extent and severity of these costs on patients' lives. While recent policy changes have helped reduce these costs for some patients, more work is needed to better characterize FT in this population to inform interventions that improve access to care and lessen the harms associated with the cost of novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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19
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Yabroff KR, Zhao J, Chen MH, Hoque J, Arias G, Han X, Zheng Z. Financial hardship and psychosocial well-being and quality of life among prostate cancer survivors in the United States. Urol Oncol 2023; 41:380-386. [PMID: 37202329 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.03.004] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among men in the United States and the prevalence of prostate cancer survivors is growing. Cancer treatment and lasting or late effects of disease and treatment can adversely affect financial health, psychosocial well-being, and health-related quality of life for prostate cancer survivors, even many years after cancer diagnosis and treatment. These outcomes are important, especially because most men live for many years following a prostate cancer diagnosis. In this essay, we describe health care spending associated with prostate cancer, including patient out-of-pocket costs, and summarize research examining medical financial hardship and associations of financial hardship and psychosocial well-being and health-related quality of life among cancer survivors. We then discuss implications for health care delivery and opportunities to mitigate financial hardship for patients with prostate cancer and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Min Hsuan Chen
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA; Department of Public Policy, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, DC
| | - Jennifer Hoque
- Department of Public Policy, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, DC
| | - Gladys Arias
- Department of Public Policy, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Washington, DC
| | - Xuesong Han
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Sciences, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
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Hallgren E, Narcisse MR, Andersen JA, Willis DE, Thompson T, Bryant-Smith G, McElfish PA. Medical Financial Hardship and Food Security among Cancer Survivors in the United States. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023; 32:1038-1047. [PMID: 37255367 PMCID: PMC10524473 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-22-1044] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some cancer survivors experience medical financial hardship, which may reduce their food security. The purpose of this study was to explore whether medical financial hardship is related to food security among cancer survivors. METHODS The study was based on cross-sectional data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey. We used ordinal logistic regression to examine the relationship between material, psychological, and behavioral medical financial hardships and household food security (i.e., high, marginal, low, or very low) among individuals ages ≥18 years who reported a cancer diagnosis from a health professional (N = 4,130). RESULTS The majority of the sample reported high household food security (88.5%), with 4.8% reporting marginal, 3.6% reporting low, and 3.1% reporting very low household food security. In the adjusted model, the odds of being in a lower food security category were higher for cancer survivors who had problems paying or were unable to pay their medical bills compared with those who did not [OR, 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-2.82, P = 0.027], who were very worried about paying their medical bills compared with those who were not at all worried (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.64-5.07; P < 0.001), and who delayed medical care due to cost compared with those who did not (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.29-5.09; P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity is rare among cancer survivors. However, medical financial hardship is associated with an increased risk of lower household food security among cancer survivors. IMPACT A minority of cancer survivors experience medical financial hardship and food insecurity; social needs screenings should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hallgren
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48 St., Springdale, AR 72762, USA
| | - Marie-Rachelle Narcisse
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48 St., Springdale, AR 72762, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Andersen
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48 St., Springdale, AR 72762, USA
| | - Don E. Willis
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48 St., Springdale, AR 72762, USA
| | - Tess Thompson
- Brown School, Washington University, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Bryant-Smith
- Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St. – Slot 556, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Pearl A. McElfish
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, 2708 S. 48 St., Springdale, AR 72762, USA
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Zhao J, Yabroff KR. High out‑of‑pocket spending and financial hardship at the end of life among cancer survivors and their families. Isr J Health Policy Res 2023; 12:24. [PMID: 37415261 DOI: 10.1186/s13584-023-00572-x] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat worldwide, affecting national and local spending, as well as household budgets for patients and their families. In this commentary about a recent paper from Tur‑Sinai et al., we discuss the high out-of-pocket spending and medical and non-medical financial hardship faced by cancer patients and their families at the end-of-life in Israel. We provide recent information about the costs of health care in Israel and other high-income countries with (i.e., Canada, Australia, Japan, and Italy) and without universal health insurance coverage (i.e., United States, a country with high healthcare costs and uninsurance rate), and highlight the role of improving health insurance coverage and benefit design in reducing financial hardship among cancer patients and their families. Recognizing that financial hardship at the end of life affects both patients and their families, developing comprehensive programs and policies in Israel as well as in other countries is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, 3380 Chastain Meadows Pkwy NW Suite 200, Kennesaw, GA, 30144, USA.
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, 3380 Chastain Meadows Pkwy NW Suite 200, Kennesaw, GA, 30144, USA
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Lao J, Su M, Zhang J, Liu L, Zhou S, Yao N. Frailty and medical financial hardship among older adults with cancer in the United States. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1202575. [PMID: 37456241 PMCID: PMC10344591 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1202575] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about the association between frailty level and medical financial hardship among older adults with cancer. This study aims to describe the prevalence of frailty and to identify its association with medical financial hardship among older cancer survivors in the United States. Methods The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS; 2019-2020) was used to identify older cancer survivors (n = 3,919). Both the five-item (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and Low weight-for-height) FRAIL and the three-domain (Material, Psychological, and Behavioral) medical financial hardship questions were constructed based on the NHIS questionnaire. Multivariable logistic models were used to identify the frailty level associated with financial hardship and its intensity. Results A total of 1,583 (40.3%) older individuals with cancer were robust, 1,421 (35.9%) were pre-frail, and 915 (23.8%) were frail. Compared with robust cancer survivors in adjusted analyses, frail cancer survivors were more likely to report issues with material domain (odds ratio (OR) = 3.19, 95%CI: 2.16-4.69; p < 0.001), psychological domain (OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.15-1.88; p < 0.001), or behavioral domain (ORs ranged from 2.19 to 2.90, all with p < 0.050), and greater intensities of financial hardship. Conclusion Both pre-frail and frailty statuses are common in the elderly cancer survivor population, and frail cancer survivors are vulnerable to three-domain financial hardships as compared with robust cancer survivors. Ongoing attention to frailty highlights the healthy aging of older survivors, and efforts to targeted interventions should address geriatric vulnerabilities during cancer survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Lao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Center for Big Data Research in Health and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mingzhu Su
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiajun Zhang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Li Liu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shengyu Zhou
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Health Commission Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nengliang Yao
- Home Centered Care Institute, Schaumburg, IL, United States
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Biddell CB, Spees LP, Trogdon JG, Kent EE, Rosenstein DL, Angove RSM, Wheeler SB. Association of patient-reported financial barriers with healthcare utilization among Medicare beneficiaries with a history of cancer. J Cancer Surviv 2023:10.1007/s11764-023-01409-x. [PMID: 37266819 PMCID: PMC10692305 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01409-x] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined characteristics associated with financial barriers to healthcare and the association of financial barriers with adverse healthcare events among US adult cancer survivors enrolled in Medicare. METHODS We used nationally representative Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data (2011-2013, 2015-2017) to identify adults with a history of non-skin cancer. We defined financial barriers as cost-related trouble accessing and/or delayed care in the prior year. Using propensity-weighted multivariable logistic regression, we examined associations between financial barriers and adverse healthcare events (any ED visits, any inpatient hospitalizations). RESULTS Overall, 11.0% of adult Medicare beneficiaries with a history of cancer reported financial barriers in the prior year, with higher burden among beneficiaries < 65 years of age vs. ≥ 65 (32.5% vs. 8.2%, p < 0.0001) and with annual income < $25,000 vs. ≥ $25,000 (18.1% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.0001). In bivariate models, financial barriers were associated with a 7.8 percentage point (95% CI: 1.5-14.0) increase in the probability of ED visits. In propensity-weighted models, this association was not statistically significant. The association between financial barriers and hospitalizations was not significant in the overall population; however, financial barriers were associated with a decreased probability of hospitalization among Black/African American beneficiaries. CONCLUSIONS Despite Medicare coverage, beneficiaries with a history of cancer are at risk for experiencing financial barriers to healthcare. In the overall population, financial barriers were not associated with ED visits or hospitalizations. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Policies limiting Medicare patient out-of-pocket spending and care models addressing health-related social needs are needed to reduce financial barriers experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin B Biddell
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Lisa P Spees
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Justin G Trogdon
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erin E Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Donald L Rosenstein
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Stephanie B Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Zheng Z, Han X, Zhao J, Fan Q, Yabroff KR. Parental Cancer History and Its Association With Minor Children's Unmet Food, Housing, and Transportation Economic Needs. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2319359. [PMID: 37347484 PMCID: PMC10288335 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.19359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance A cancer diagnosis is associated with substantial economic burden for patients and their families. Young adult cancer survivors with dependent children may be particularly vulnerable to financial hardship. Objective To examine associations of parental cancer with their children's unmet economic needs. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the nationally representative 2013 to 2018 US National Health Interview Survey. Children aged 5 to 17 years living in families with and without parental cancer history were queried about recent 1-year experiences. Statistical analyses were conducted from January 2022 to April 2023. Exposure Parental cancer history. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were children's unmet economic needs, including family-level food insecurity, parent's financial worry about paying for monthly bills and housing costs, and delayed child medical care owing to lack of transportation. Multivariable logistic regressions adjusted for (1) child's characteristics (ie, age group, sex, and race and ethnicity), (2) parent's characteristics (ie, age group, sex, health insurance coverage, comorbid conditions, and obesity status), and (3) family's characteristics (ie, family structure [married or cohabiting parents vs single parent families], highest educational attainment in the family, and family income). Additional analyses focused on children with a parental cancer history to identify potentially modifiable characteristics associated with unmet economic needs. Results In this cross-sectional study of 22 941 children with (812 children; weighted number, 860 488 children) and without (22 129 children; weighted number, 24 545 463 children) a parental cancer history, the majority of children were aged 5 to 11 years (12 022 children [52.4%]), male (11 920 children [52.0%]), and non-Hispanic White (11 863 children [51.7%]). In adjusted analyses, parental cancer history was associated with more severe family-level food insecurity, including worrying about food running out (odds ratio [OR], 1.97; 95% CI, 1.56-2.49; P < .001), food not lasting (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.56-2.58; P < .001), and inability to afford balanced meals (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06-1.79; P = .02). Moreover, parental cancer history was associated with parent's worry about paying monthly bills (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.15-1.74; P = .001) and housing-related costs (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.60; P = .009) and delays in child medical care because of lack of transportation (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.49-3.59; P < .001). Among children with parental cancer history, female children, non-Hispanic Black children, children whose parents had multiple comorbidities, and children living in low-income families were especially vulnerable to unmet economic needs. Conclusions and Relevance Parental cancer is associated with greater likelihood of food insecurity, unaffordability of housing and other necessities, and transportation barriers to medical care for minor children. Strategies to identify such children and address their needs are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Qinjin Fan
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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Biddell CB, Waters AR, Angove RSM, Gallagher KD, Rosenstein DL, Spees LP, Kent EE, Planey AM, Wheeler SB. Facing financial barriers to healthcare: patient-informed adaptation of a conceptual framework for adults with a history of cancer. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1178517. [PMID: 37255517 PMCID: PMC10225523 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1178517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-related financial hardship is associated with negative clinical outcomes, which may be partially explained by cost-related delayed or forgone care in response to financial barriers. We sought to understand patient experiences facing financial barriers to medical care following a cancer diagnosis. Methods We conducted virtual, semi-structured interviews in Fall 2022 with 20 adults with a history of cancer who had experienced cancer-related financial hardship in the prior year. We used template analysis within a pragmatic paradigm, combining constructivist and critical realist theoretical perspectives, to analyze interview transcripts and adapt an existing conceptual framework of financial barriers to care. Results The majority of interviewees identified as women (70%), non-Hispanic white (60%), and reported an annual household income of <$48,000 (60%). As interviewees sought to overcome financial barriers, they described substantial frustration at the limitations and complexities of United States health and social care systems, resulting in a reliance on a fragmented, uncertain resource landscape. The administrative burden resulting from bureaucratic systems and the advocacy responsibilities required to navigate them ultimately fell on interviewees and their caregivers. Thus, participants described their ability to overcome financial barriers as being influenced by individual and interpersonal factors, such as social support, comfort asking for help, time, prior experience navigating resources, and physical and mental health. However, participants noted health system organizational factors, such as whether all new patients proactively met with a social worker or financial navigator, as having the potential to lessen the administrative and financial burden experienced. Conclusion We present an adapted conceptual framework outlining multi-level factors influencing patient experiences coping with financial barriers to medical care. In addition to influencing whether a patient ultimately delays or forgoes care due to cost, financial barriers also have the potential to independently affect patient mental, physical, and financial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin B. Biddell
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Austin R. Waters
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rebekah S. M. Angove
- Patient Insight Institute, Patient Advocate Foundation, Hampton, VA, United States
| | | | - Donald L. Rosenstein
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lisa P. Spees
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Erin E. Kent
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Arrianna Marie Planey
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Stephanie B. Wheeler
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Barnes JM, Graboyes EM, Adjei Boakye E, Schootman M, Chino JP, Moss HA, Mowery YM, Osazuwa-Peters N. Insurance Coverage and Forgoing Medical Appointments Because of Cost Among Cancer Survivors After 2016. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e589-e599. [PMID: 36649493 PMCID: PMC10530391 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The uninsured rate began rising after 2016, which some have attributed to health policies undermining aspects of the Affordable Care Act. Our primary objectives were to assess the changes in insurance coverage and forgoing medical care because of cost in cancer survivors from pre-enactment (2016) through postenactment of those policies (2019) and determine whether there were subgroups that were disproportionately affected. METHODS The 2016-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys were queried for 18- to 64-year-old cancer survivors. Survey-weighted logistic regression was used to assess temporal changes in (1) insurance coverage and (2) forgoing medical appointments because of cost in the preceding 12 months. RESULTS A total of 62,669 cancer survivors were identified. The percentage of insured cancer survivors decreased from 92.4% in 2016 to 90.4% in 2019 (odds ratio for change in insurance coverage or affordability per one-year increase [ORyear], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.98; P = .01), translating to 161,000 fewer cancer survivors in the United States with insurance coverage. There were decreases in employer-sponsored insurance coverage (ORyear, 0.89) but increases in Medicaid coverage (ORyear, 1.17) from 2016 to 2019. Forgoing medical appointments because of cost increased from 17.9% in 2016 to 20.0% in 2019 (ORyear, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.1; P = .025), affecting an estimated 169,000 cancer survivors. The greatest changes were observed among individuals with low income, particularly those residing in nonexpansion states. CONCLUSION Between 2016 and 2019, there were 161,000 fewer cancer survivors in the United States with insurance coverage, and 169,000 forwent medical care because of cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M. Barnes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Evan M. Graboyes
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Eric Adjei Boakye
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI
| | - Mario Schootman
- Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Junzo P. Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Haley A. Moss
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Yvonne M. Mowery
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
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Wray CM, Lopez L, Khare M, Keyhani S. Cost-Related Access Barriers, Medical Debt, and Dissatisfaction with Care Among Privately Insured Americans. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:938-945. [PMID: 36167955 PMCID: PMC10039217 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07822-9] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding experiences with private important to improving the quality of health care coverage. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of health with cost-related access barriers, medical debt, and dissatisfaction with care among privately insured Americans. DESIGN We classified Americans with private insurance by self-reported health status into five groups (excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor health). We examined self-reported difficulty seeing a doctor due to costs, not taking medications due to costs, medical debt, and dissatisfaction with care among individuals with differing health status. We used logistic regression to examine the association of health status with individuals' experiences after accounting for baseline characteristics. The analysis was repeated among individuals with different forms of private insurance. Odds ratios were converted to risk ratios to improve ease of interpretation of the results. SETTING Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System of Americans in 17 states RESULTS: The sample included 82,494 US adults with private insurance. Following adjustment, compared to individuals with excellent health those in very good health, good health, fair health, and poor health reported increasingly higher risks of difficulty seeing a doctor due to costs with risk ratios of 1.02 (95% CI 1.01, 1.03), 1.07 (95% CI 1.06, 1.08), 1.18 (95% CI 1.17, 1.20), and 1.29 (95% CI 1.27, 1.31), respectively. Compared to individuals with excellent health, those in very good health, good health, fair health, and poor health reported increasingly higher risks of not taking medication due to costs, outstanding medical debt, and dissatisfaction with care. Similar relationships were seen across individually purchased and employer-sponsored insurance. CONCLUSION Cost-related access barriers, medical debt, and dissatisfaction with care were common among individuals with private insurance and most pronounced among those with fair and poor health who likely need and use their health insurance the most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie M Wray
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA.
- Section of Hospital Medicine, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Lenny Lopez
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
- Section of Hospital Medicine, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, USA
| | - Meena Khare
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, USA
| | - Salomeh Keyhani
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, USA
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Herrera CD, Guerra CE, Narayan V, Guzzo TJ, Mamtani R, Lee DJ, Tasian GE, Talwar R. Financial toxicity in prostate cancer survivors: A national cross-sectional assessment of subjective financial burden. Urol Oncol 2023; 41:105.e1-105.e8. [PMID: 36372635 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.10.014] [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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In prostate cancer (CaP) survivorship, subjective financial burden (SFB), an aspect of financial toxicity, has not been studied using a national sample. Our goal was to explore and identify factors associated with patient-reported SFB in CaP survivors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of 264 adult individuals with a history of CaP that completed the AHRQ - Medical Expenditures Panel Survey - Household Component and Cancer Self-Administered Questionnaire Supplement in 2016 or 2017. Primary outcomes were the presence of cancer-related SFB and the severity of this burden. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression and logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with the severity of SFB and different domains of burden. RESULTS Most participants were non-Hispanic white, had 3 or more comorbidities and had a median age of 72 years. 62.1% of survivors indicated SFB associated with their CaP care and long-term effects. 49.2% of CaP survivors indicated coping SFB, 27.7% psychological, and 29.2% material. Older (OR: 0.95, 95%CI 0.92-0.98) was associated with less SFB. Low-income level (OR: 2.1, 95%CI 1.01-4.36) was associated with higher SFB. Hispanic survivors (OR: 2.8 95%CI 1.1-7.4) indicated more psychologic SFB. Presence of a caregiver was noted as a predictor of material (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.45-4.49) and psychological (OR: 2.2, 95%CI 1.13-3.91) SFB. CONCLUSIONS Many CaP survivors experience SFB and associated factors differ in domain of financial burden. This provides evidence and groundwork for understanding financial burden and improving the quality of counseling and care for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Herrera
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Carmen E Guerra
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Vivek Narayan
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Thomas J Guzzo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ronac Mamtani
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Daniel J Lee
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Ruchika Talwar
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Robien K, Clausen M, Sullo E, Ford YR, Griffith KA, Le D, Wickersham KE, Wallington SF. Prevalence of Food Insecurity Among Cancer Survivors in the United States: A Scoping Review. J Acad Nutr Diet 2023; 123:330-346. [PMID: 35840079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.07.004] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical financial hardship is an increasingly common consequence of cancer treatment and can lead to food insecurity. However, food security status is not routinely assessed in the health care setting, and the prevalence of food insecurity among cancer survivors is unknown. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to identify the prevalence of food insecurity among cancer survivors in the United States before the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Five databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL [Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature], Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) were systematically searched for articles that reported on food security status among US patients receiving active cancer treatment or longer-term cancer survivors and were published between January 2015 and December 2020. RESULTS Among the 15 articles meeting the inclusion criteria, overall food insecurity prevalence ranged from 4.0% among women presenting to a gynecologic oncology clinic to 83.6% among patients at Federally Qualified Health Centers. Excluding studies focused specifically on Federally Qualified Health Center patients, prevalence of food insecurity ranged from 4.0% to 26.2%, which overlaps the food insecurity prevalence in the general US population during the same time period (range, 10.5% to 14.9%). Women were more likely than men to report being food insecure, and the prevalence of food insecurity was higher among Hispanic and Black patients compared with non-Hispanic White patients. CONCLUSIONS Given significant heterogeneity in study populations and sample sizes, it was not possible to estimate an overall food insecurity prevalence among cancer survivors in the United States. Routine surveillance of food security status and other social determinants of health is needed to better detect and address these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Robien
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC; GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC.
| | | | - Elaine Sullo
- Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Yvonne R Ford
- School of Nursing, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
| | - Kathleen A Griffith
- GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC; School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Daisy Le
- GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC; School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | | | - Sherrie Flynt Wallington
- GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC; School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC
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Islam JY, Turner K, Saeb H, Powell M, Dean LT, Camacho-Rivera M. Financial hardship and mental health among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of the US COVID-19 Household Impact Survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:946721. [PMID: 36483249 PMCID: PMC9723235 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.946721] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Our objective was to (1) identify associated characteristics of financial hardship (FH), and (2) evaluate associations of FH with mental health symptoms among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Using data from the nationally representative COVID-19 Impact Survey, we defined cancer survivors as those with a self-reported diagnosis of cancer (n = 854,7.6%). We defined FH using the following question: "Based on your current financial situation, how would you pay for an unexpected $400 expense?" Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) to identify associated characteristics of FH and associations of FH with mental health symptoms among cancer survivors overall and by age (18-59 years/60+ years). Results Forty-one percent of cancer survivors reported FH, with 58% in 18-59 and 33% in 60+ year old respondents. Compared to cancer survivors aged 60+ years, those aged 30-44 (aPR:1.74,95% CI:1.35-2.24), and 45-59 years (aPR:1.60,95% CI:1.27-1.99) were more likely to report FH. Compared to non-Hispanic(NH)-White cancer survivors, NH-Black cancer survivors had a 56% higher prevalence of FH (aPR:1.56; 95% CI: 1.23-1.97). Among 60+ years aged cancer survivors, NH-Black (aPR:1.80; 95% CI: 1.32-2.45) and NH-Asian cancer survivors (aPR:10.70,95% CI:5.6-20.7) were more likely to experience FH compared to their NH-White counterparts. FH was associated with feeling anxious (aPR:1.51,95% CI:1.11-2.05), depressed (aPR:1.66,95% CI:1.25-2.22), and hopeless (aPR:1.84,95% CI:1.38-2.44). Conclusion Minoritized communities, younger adults, and cancer survivors with low socioeconomic status had a higher burden of FH, which was associated with feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y. Islam
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States,Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Jessica Y. Islam
| | - Kea Turner
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States,Health Outcomes and Behavior Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States,Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Huda Saeb
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Margaux Powell
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lorraine T. Dean
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marlene Camacho-Rivera
- Department of Community Health Sciences, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
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Coughlin SS, Datta B, Williams LB, Bevel M, Cortes JE. Characteristics of Cancer Survivors Living in Poverty in the United States: Results From the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e1831-e1838. [PMID: 36067453 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There has been increasing concern over the high cost of oncology care and its long-lasting impact on the well-being of cancer survivors. METHODS We examined characteristics of impoverished cancer survivors in the United States, including their physical and mental health, using data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We used binomial logistic regressions for binary outcome variables, and negative binomial regressions for count variables, to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and incident rate ratios (IRRs) of the physical, mental, and socioeconomic-related health factors for low-income cancer survivors versus higher-income survivors. We compared the ORs and IRRs for low-income cancer survivors with those of higher income cancer survivors. RESULTS There was a two-fold increased odds (adjusted OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.86 to 2.91) of having fair/poor health for low-income cancer survivors compared with higher-income cancer survivors. There was an almost two-fold increased odds (adjusted OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.50 to 2.59) of not being able to see a doctor among low-income cancer survivors, and a 42% lower odds (adjusted OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.86) of having health insurance coverage for low-income cancer survivors compared with higher-income survivors. Incidence rate ratios for physical (IRR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.75) and mental (IRR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.26 to 1.86) unhealthy days were significantly higher among low-income cancer survivors compared with nonpoor cancer survivors. CONCLUSION Strategies are available to ameliorate financial hardship at multiple levels. Implementation of these strategies is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven S Coughlin
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.,Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Biplab Datta
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.,Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Lovoria B Williams
- Univesity of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, KY.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Malcolm Bevel
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.,Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, GA
| | - Jorge E Cortes
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.,Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, GA
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Zheng Z, Fedewa SA, Islami F, Nogueira L, Han X, Zhao J, Song W, Jemal A, Yabroff KR. Paid Sick Leave Among Working Cancer Survivors and Its Associations With Use of Preventive Services in the United States. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2022; 20:1244-1254.e3. [PMID: 36351332 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2022.7058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to examine the lack of paid sick leave among working cancer survivors by sociodemographic/socioeconomic and employment characteristics and its association with preventive services use in the United States. METHODS Working cancer survivors (ages 18-64 years; n=7,995; weighted n=3.43 million) were identified using 2001-2018 National Health Interview Survey data. Adjusted prevalence of lack of paid sick leave by sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as job sector, working hours, and employer size, were generated using multivariable logistic regression models. Separate analyses examined the associations of lack of paid sick leave with use of various preventive services. RESULTS Of all working cancer survivors, 36.4% lacked paid sick leave (n=2,925; weighted n=1.25 million), especially those working in food/agriculture/construction/personal services occupations or industries (ranging from 54.9% to 88.5%). In adjusted analyses, working cancer survivors with lower household income (<200% of the federal poverty level, 48.7%), without a high school degree (43.3%), without health insurance coverage (70.6%), and who were self-employed (89.5%), were part-time workers (68.2%), or worked in small businesses (<50 employees, 48.8%) were most likely to lack paid sick leave. Lack of paid sick leave was associated with lower use of influenza vaccine (ages 18-39 years, 21.3% vs 33.3%; ages 40-49 years, 25.8% vs 38.3%; ages 50-64 years, 46.3% vs 52.4%; P<.001 for all), cholesterol screening (ages 18-39 years, 43.1% vs 62.5%; P<.05), and blood pressure check (ages 18-39 years, 43.1% vs 62.5%; P<.05) compared with survivors having paid sick leave. CONCLUSIONS In the United States, more than one-third of all working cancer survivors and more than half of survivors working for small employers and in certain occupations/industries lack paid sick leave. Survivors with lower household income or educational attainment are particularly vulnerable. Moreover, lack of paid sick leave is associated with lower use of some recommended preventive services, suggesting that ensuring working cancer survivors have access to paid sick leave may be an important mechanism for reducing health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zheng
- 1Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society; and
| | - Stacey A Fedewa
- 1Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society; and
| | - Farhad Islami
- 1Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society; and
| | - Leticia Nogueira
- 1Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society; and
| | - Xuesong Han
- 1Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society; and
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- 1Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society; and
| | - Weishan Song
- 2Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- 1Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society; and
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- 1Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society; and
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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: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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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Howard AF, Lynch K, Thorne S, Porcino A, Lambert L, De Vera MA, Wolff AC, Hedges P, Beck SM, Torrejón MJ, Kelly MT, McKenzie M. Occupational and Financial Setbacks in Caregivers of People with Colorectal Cancer: Considerations for Caregiver-Reported Outcomes. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:8180-8196. [PMID: 36354706 PMCID: PMC9689650 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29110646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Family caregivers of patients with cancer provide substantial physical, emotional, and functional care throughout the cancer trajectory. While caregiving can create employment and financial challenges, there is insufficient evidence to inform the development of caregiver-reported outcomes (CROs) that assess these experiences. The study purpose was to describe the occupational and financial consequences that were important to family caregivers of a patient with colorectal cancer (CRC) in the context of public health care, which represent potential considerations for CROs. In this qualitative Interpretive Description study, we analyzed interview data from 78 participants (25 caregivers, 37 patients, and 16 healthcare providers). Our findings point to temporary and long-term occupational and financial setbacks in the context of CRC. Caregiving for a person with CRC involved managing occupational implications, including (1) revamping employment arrangements, and (2) juggling work, family, and household demands. Caregiver financial struggles included (1) responding to financial demands at various stages of life, and (2) facing the spectre of lifelong expenses. Study findings offer novel insight into the cancer-related occupational and financial challenges facing caregivers, despite government-funded universal health care. Further research is warranted to develop CRO measures that assess the multifaceted nature of these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Fuchsia Howard
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Kelsey Lynch
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Sally Thorne
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | | | - Leah Lambert
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 Canada
| | - Mary A. De Vera
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Angela C. Wolff
- School of Nursing, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1, Canada
| | | | - Scott M. Beck
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 Canada
| | | | - Mary T. Kelly
- School of Nursing, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Michael McKenzie
- BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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35
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Jones SMW. Financial Worry in People with Cancer: Relationship to Employment and Outcomes. Psychooncology 2022; 31:1835-1842. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.6034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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36
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Miller KD, Nogueira L, Devasia T, Mariotto AB, Yabroff KR, Jemal A, Kramer J, Siegel RL. Cancer treatment and survivorship statistics, 2022. CA Cancer J Clin 2022; 72:409-436. [PMID: 35736631 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 875] [Impact Index Per Article: 437.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of cancer survivors continues to increase in the United States due to the growth and aging of the population as well as advances in early detection and treatment. To assist the public health community in better serving these individuals, the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute collaborate triennially to estimate cancer prevalence in the United States using incidence and survival data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries, vital statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, and population projections from the US Census Bureau. Current treatment patterns based on information in the National Cancer Database are presented for the most prevalent cancer types by race, and cancer-related and treatment-related side-effects are also briefly described. More than 18 million Americans (8.3 million males and 9.7 million females) with a history of cancer were alive on January 1, 2022. The 3 most prevalent cancers are prostate (3,523,230), melanoma of the skin (760,640), and colon and rectum (726,450) among males and breast (4,055,770), uterine corpus (891,560), and thyroid (823,800) among females. More than one-half (53%) of survivors were diagnosed within the past 10 years, and two-thirds (67%) were aged 65 years or older. One of the largest racial disparities in treatment is for rectal cancer, for which 41% of Black patients with stage I disease receive proctectomy or proctocolectomy compared to 66% of White patients. Surgical receipt is also substantially lower among Black patients with non-small cell lung cancer, 49% for stages I-II and 16% for stage III versus 55% and 22% for White patients, respectively. These treatment disparities are exacerbated by the fact that Black patients continue to be less likely to be diagnosed with stage I disease than White patients for most cancers, with some of the largest disparities for female breast (53% vs 68%) and endometrial (59% vs 73%). Although there are a growing number of tools that can assist patients, caregivers, and clinicians in navigating the various phases of cancer survivorship, further evidence-based strategies and equitable access to available resources are needed to mitigate disparities for communities of color and optimize care for people with a history of cancer. CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72:409-436.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leticia Nogueira
- Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Theresa Devasia
- Data Analytics Branch, Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Angela B Mariotto
- Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joan Kramer
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rebecca L Siegel
- Surveillance Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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Biddell CB, Spees LP, Petermann V, Rosenstein DL, Manning M, Gellin M, Padilla N, Samuel-Ryals CA, Birken SA, Reeder-Hayes K, Deal AM, Cabarrus K, Bell RA, Strom C, DeAntonio PA, Young TH, King S, Leutner B, Vestal D, Wheeler SB. Financial Assistance Processes and Mechanisms in Rural and Nonrural Oncology Care Settings. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:e1392-e1406. [PMID: 35549521 PMCID: PMC9509146 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with cancer are at heightened risk of experiencing financial hardship. Financial navigation (FN) is an evidence-based approach for identifying and addressing patient and caregiver financial needs. In preparation for the implementation of a multisite FN intervention, we describe existing processes (ie, events and actions) and mechanisms (ie, how events work together) connecting patients to financial assistance, comparing rural and nonrural practices. METHODS We conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews with stakeholders (ie, administrators, providers, and staff) at each of the 10 oncology care sites across a single state (five rural and five nonrural practices). We developed process maps for each site and analyzed stakeholder perspectives using thematic analysis. After reporting findings back to stakeholders, we synthesized themes and process maps across rural and nonrural sites separately. RESULTS Eighty-three stakeholders were interviewed. We identified six core elements of existing financial assistance processes across all sites: distress screening (including financial concerns), referrals, resource connection points, and pharmaceutical, insurance, and community/foundation resources. Processes differed by rurality; however, facilitators and barriers to identifying and addressing patient financial needs were consistent. Open communication between staff, providers, patients, and caregivers was a primary facilitator. Barriers included insufficient staff resources, challenges in routinely identifying needs, inadequate preparation of patients for anticipated medical costs, and limited tracking of resource availability and eligibility. CONCLUSION This study identified a clear need for systematic implementation of oncology FN to equitably address patient and caregiver financial hardship. Results have informed our current efforts to implement a multisite FN intervention, which involves comprehensive financial toxicity screening and systematization of intake and referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin B. Biddell
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Chapel Hill, NC
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Lisa P. Spees
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Chapel Hill, NC
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Victoria Petermann
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Donald L. Rosenstein
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Michelle Manning
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Mindy Gellin
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Neda Padilla
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Cleo A. Samuel-Ryals
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Chapel Hill, NC
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Sarah A. Birken
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Katherine Reeder-Hayes
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Division of Oncology, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Allison M. Deal
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kendrel Cabarrus
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ronny A. Bell
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Carla Strom
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC
| | | | - Tiffany H. Young
- Novant Health Cancer Institute, Buddy Kemp Support Center, Charlotte, NC
| | - Sherry King
- Carteret Health Care Cancer Center, Morehead City, NC
| | | | | | - Stephanie B. Wheeler
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Chapel Hill, NC
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
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38
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Association Between Financial Distress with Patient and Caregiver Outcomes in Home-Based Palliative Care: A Secondary Analysis of a Clinical Trial. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:3029-3037. [PMID: 35064463 PMCID: PMC8782701 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07286-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serious illness often causes financial hardship for patients and families. Home-based palliative care (HBPC) may partly address this. OBJECTIVE Describe the prevalence and characteristics of patients and family caregivers with high financial distress at HBPC admission and examine the relationship between financial distress and patient and caregiver outcomes. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS Data for this cohort study were drawn from a pragmatic comparative-effectiveness trial testing two models of HBPC in Kaiser Permanente. We included 779 patients and 438 caregivers from January 2019 to January 2020. MEASUREMENTS Financial distress at admission to HBPC was measured using a global question (0-10-point scale: none=0; mild=1-5; moderate/severe=6+). Patient- (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, distress thermometer, PROMIS-10) and caregiver (Preparedness for Caregiving, Zarit-12 Burden, PROMIS-10)-reported outcomes were measured at baseline and 1 month. Hospital utilization was captured using electronic medical records and claims. Mixed-effects adjusted models assessed survey measures and a proportional hazard competing risk model assessed hospital utilization. RESULTS Half of the patients reported some level of financial distress with younger patients more likely to have moderate/severe financial distress. Patients with moderate/severe financial distress at HBPC admission reported worse symptoms, general distress, and quality of life (QoL), and caregivers reported worse preparedness, burden, and QoL (all, p<.001). Compared to patients with no financial distress, moderate/severe financial distress patients had more social work contacts, improved symptom burden at 1 month (ESAS total score: -4.39; 95% CI: -7.61, -1.17; p<.01), and no increase in hospital-based utilization (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.87-1.40; p=.41); their caregivers had improved PROMIS-10 mental scores (+2.68; 95% CI: 0.20, 5.16; p=.03). No other group differences were evident in the caregiver preparedness, burden, and physical QoL change scores. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the importance and need for routine assessments of financial distress and for provision of social supports required to help families receiving palliative care services.
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Sujan MH, Tasnim R, Islam MS, Ferdous M, Haghighathoseini A, Koly KN, Pardhan S. Financial hardship and mental health conditions in people with underlying health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10499. [PMID: 36060462 PMCID: PMC9428118 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Financial hardship is a major concern for patients who are suffering from long-term underlying health conditions. It is likely that emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic would impose increased financial distress and lead to the development or exacerbation of mental health conditions. Objective The present study aimed to explore the relationship between financial hardship and mental health conditions (loneliness, anxiety, and depression) among patients with underlying health conditions in Bangladesh. Methods An e-survey based cross-sectional study was conducted among purposively selected 971 patients (50.1% male; mean age = 42.29 [SD = 15.86]) with underlying health conditions between November 2020 and January 2021. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and UCLA loneliness scale, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine any associations between financial hardship and mental health conditions (loneliness, anxiety, and depression). Results 46.2% of participants reported experiencing financial difficulties, and a number of respondents (12.3%) had lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of anxiety, depression and loneliness were 35.2%, 38.9%, and 47.68%, respectively. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, age, gender, occupation, marital status, monthly income, self-reported health status and financial hardship were significantly associated with mental health conditions. Conclusions Mental health problems were prevalent among people with underlying health conditions and were also associated with financial difficulties. The findings suggest that care facilities should be strengthened by including psychosocial support components delivered with lower costs, particularly for patients with underlying health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md.Safaet Hossain Sujan
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Corresponding author.
| | - Rafia Tasnim
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Corresponding author.
| | - Md. Saiful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Corresponding author.
| | - Most.Zannatul Ferdous
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
| | | | - Kamrun Nahar Koly
- Health System and Population Studies Division, icddr,b, Mohakhali, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
| | - Shahina Pardhan
- Vision and Eye Research Institute, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University, Young Street, Cambridge UK
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Nightingale CL, Canzona MR, Danhauer SC, Reeve BB, Howard DS, Tucker‐Seeley RD, Golden SLS, Little‐Greene D, Roth ME, Victorson DE, Salsman JM. Financial burden for caregivers of adolescents and young adults with cancer. Psychooncology 2022; 31:1354-1364. [PMID: 35416372 PMCID: PMC9540021 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are vulnerable to cancer-related financial burden, which is likely shared by their caregivers. This study aims to enhance an existing conceptual model of financial burden by conducting concept elicitation interviews with caregivers to generate knowledge that can be translated to inform instrumental and psychosocial support in cancer care. METHODS Qualitative concept elicitation interviews were conducted with 24 caregivers of AYA cancer survivors (caregivers of adolescents, n = 12; caregivers of emerging adults, n = 12) recruited from four sites. Constant comparative methods were used to identify themes, and results were interpreted and organized into domains of the conceptual model. We also explored COVID-19 related financial impacts among a subset (n = 12) of caregivers. RESULTS Seven themes emerged, which varied by age group and strengthened the conceptualization of the model. Themes centered on: (1) direct and indirect costs of cancer; (2) impact of socioeconomic status on financial burden; (3) caregiver desire to shield AYAs from distress due to financial burden; (4) strategies to manage cancer-related costs; (5) worries about AYAs' financial future; (6) seeking and receiving financial support; and (7) navigating the healthcare system. Findings also revealed that COVID-19 exacerbates financial burden for some caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Building upon our prior work, we have adapted the conceptual model of financial burden to reflect perspectives of AYAs, oncology providers, and now, caregivers. An important next step is to develop a reliable and valid self-report measure of financial burden among caregivers of AYA cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Suzanne C. Danhauer
- Department of Social Sciences & Health PolicyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNCUSA
| | - Bryce B. Reeve
- Department of Population Health SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNCUSA
| | - Dianna S. Howard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Hematology and OncologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNCUSA
| | | | | | - Denisha Little‐Greene
- Department of Social Sciences & Health PolicyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNCUSA
| | - Michael E. Roth
- Department of PediatricsMD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - David E. Victorson
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - John M. Salsman
- Department of Social Sciences & Health PolicyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston SalemNCUSA
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de Moor JS, Williams CP, Blinder VS. Cancer-Related Care Costs and Employment Disruption: Recommendations to Reduce Patient Economic Burden as Part of Cancer Care Delivery. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2022; 2022:79-84. [PMID: 35788373 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer survivors are frequently unprepared to manage the out-of-pocket (OOP) costs associated with undergoing cancer treatment and the potential for employment disruption. This commentary outlines a set of research recommendations stemming from the National Cancer Institute's Future of Health Economics Research Conference to better understand and reduce patient economic burden as part of cancer care delivery. Currently, there are a lack of detailed metrics and measures of survivors' OOP costs and employment disruption, and data on these costs are rarely available at the point of care to guide patient-centered treatment and survivorship care planning. Future research should improve the collection of data about survivors' OOP costs for medical care, other cancer-related expenses, and experiences of employment disruption. Methods such as microcosting and the prospective collection of patient-reported outcomes in cancer care are needed to understand the true sum of cancer-related costs taken on by survivors and caregivers. Better metrics and measures of survivors' costs must be coupled with interventions to incorporate that information into cancer care delivery and inform meaningful communication about OOP costs and employment disruption that is tailored to different clinical situations. Informing survivors about the anticipated costs of their cancer care supports informed decision making and proactive planning to mitigate financial hardship. Additionally, system-level infrastructure should be developed and tested to facilitate screening to identify survivors at risk for financial hardship, improve communication about OOP costs and employment disruption between survivors and their health-care providers, and support the delivery of appropriate financial navigation services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet S de Moor
- Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Courtney P Williams
- Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Corrigan KL, Fu S, Chen YS, Kaiser K, Roth M, Peterson SK, Shih YCT, Jagsi R, Giordano SH, Volk RJ, Robin Yabroff K, Banegas MP, Acquati C, Conti RM, Ma HY, Ku K, Nancy You Y, Smith GL. Financial toxicity impact on younger versus older adults with cancer in the setting of care delivery. Cancer 2022; 128:2455-2462. [PMID: 35417565 PMCID: PMC9177670 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adults and other working-age adults with cancer are at risk for cancer-related financial toxicity (FT), including material hardships, depletion of coping resources, and psychological burden. This study compares FT domains in young adults (18-39 years old) (YAs), other working-age adults (40-64 years old), and older adults (≥65 years old) receiving cancer care. METHODS A total of 311 adults were surveyed using the multi-domain Economic Strain and Resilience in Cancer instrument measuring FT (0-10 score indicating least to greatest FT; score ≥5 severe FT). Participants were receiving ambulatory care from March-September 2019. Associations of age with overall FT and material hardship, coping resource depletion, and psychological burden FT domains were tested using Kruskal-Wallis and χ2 tests and multivariable generalized linear models with gamma distribution. RESULTS YAs (median age, 31.5 years) comprised 9.6% of the sample; other working-age adults comprised 56.9%. Overall, material, coping, and psychological FT scores were worse in younger age adults versus older adults (P < .001 in all multivariable models). Compared with older adults, younger age adults demonstrated worse material hardship (median scores, 3.70 vs 4.80 vs 1.30 for YAs, other working-age, and older adults, respectively; P < .001), coping resource depletion (4.50 vs 3.40 vs 0.80; P < .001), and psychological burden (6.50 vs 7.00 vs 1.00; P < .001). Fifty percent of YAs had severe overall FT versus 40.7% of other working-age adults and 9.6% of older adults (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Younger age adults with cancer bore disproportionate FT. Interventions to address unmet needs are critical components for addressing FT in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L. Corrigan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Shuangshuang Fu
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ying-Shiuan Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kelsey Kaiser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Michael Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Susan K. Peterson
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ya-Chen T. Shih
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Reshma Jagsi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sharon H. Giordano
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Robert J. Volk
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Mathew P. Banegas
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Rena M. Conti
- Department of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, Boston University School of Business, Boston, MA
| | - Hilary Y. Ma
- Department of General Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kimberly Ku
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Y. Nancy You
- Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Grace L. Smith
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Bowers A, Karvetski CH, Needs P. Cost Burden Impacts Cancer Patient Service Utilization Behavior in a US Commercial Plan. Am J Health Behav 2022; 46:231-247. [PMID: 35794760 DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.46.3.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The burden of affording high-cost medical treatment (eg, cancer therapy) may impact whether some patients choose to access other needed health services within US commercial plans. However, deferring needed care for a mental or behavioral health (M/BH) condition could result in preventable hospital utilization. This research investigates how income level and total out-of-pocket costs (OOPC) interact to influence the service utilization behavior of insured adult cancer patients with a comorbid M/BH diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis was performed using medical service claims (July 2017-June 2018) and administrative data from eligible members of a large US commercial health benefits plan ( N =5,054). Nonparametric tests were used to examine variation in mean utilization by patient income level and OOPC decile. Negative binomial regression modeling was performed to analyze independent variable effects on count outcomes for outpatient behavioral visits and emergency department (ED) visits. Results: There was significant variation in patient service utilization by income level and total OOPC. Overall, as OOPC increased patients used less outpatient behavioral care ( p <.000). Compared to average and higher incomes, those with lower incomes (<$50,000/year) utilized significantly fewer outpatient visits ( p <.000) and significantly more ED visits ( p <.001) relative to increasing OOPC. Conclusions: The interaction of income level and OOPC (ie, cost burden) could inhibit patients' decision to access supportive behavioral care in the commercial plan. The cumulative cost burden from cancer treatment may promote underutilization of outpatient services and greater ED reliance, particularly among lower income plan members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bowers
- Evernorth Health, Inc., St. Louis, MO, United States;,
| | | | - Priya Needs
- Evernorth Health, Inc., St. Louis, MO, United States
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Zheng Z, Zhao J, Nogueira L, Han X, Fan Q, Yabroff KR. Associations of Parental Cancer With School Absenteeism, Medical Care Unaffordability, Health Care Use, and Mental Health Among Children. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:593-601. [PMID: 35404397 PMCID: PMC9002718 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE A cancer diagnosis can adversely affect other members of the family, including children. However, little is known about the extent to which history of parental cancer affects children's health. OBJECTIVE To examine associations of parental cancer with children's school absenteeism, medical care unaffordability, health care use, and mental health. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional, nationally representative study used data from the 2010-2018 National Health Interview Survey. Statistical analyses were conducted from January to September 2021. Children aged 5 to 17 years living in families with and without a history of parental cancer were identified. Characteristics were grouped into child, parent, and family variables. Sequential multivariable regressions were conducted for unadjusted analyses and with the adjustment of child, parent, and family characteristics to assess associations between parental cancer and child outcomes. EXPOSURES History of parental cancer. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES School absenteeism, medical care unaffordability, health care use, and mental health. RESULTS A total of 1232 children (mean [SD] age, 11.7 [0.13] years; 579 [48.6%] female; weighted N = 846 730; 3.4% of total sample) were living in families with a history of parental cancer. Compared with 33 870 children without a history of parental cancer (mean [SD] age, 10.8 [0.03]; 16 287 [48.8%] female; weighted N = 24 315 452; 96.6% of total sample), children of cancer survivors were more likely to be older, non-Hispanic White, and living in single parent families. Parents with a history of cancer were more likely to be older, to be female, to have more comorbid conditions, and to have public health insurance compared with parents without a history of cancer. History of parental cancer was adversely associated with school absenteeism, medical care unaffordability, health care use, and mental health among children. Sequential adjustment with child, parent, and family characteristics reduced the magnitude of the associations. For example, the odds ratios for school absenteeism of 1 day or more changed from 1.33 (95% CI, 1.11-1.59; P = .002) to 1.12 (95% CI, 0.93-1.34; P = .23) and for any child hospital emergency department visit from 1.56 (95% CI, 1.31-1.86; P < .001) to 1.36 (95 % CI, 1.13-1.64; P < .001). Similar results were found for medical care unaffordability, prescription medication use, and mental health. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, parental cancer was associated with school absenteeism, medical care unaffordability, increased health care use, and poor mental health among children. Health care professionals and policies should consider the unique needs of affected children and develop school-, parent-, and family-directed strategies to ameliorate the negative associations between parental cancer and children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Leticia Nogueira
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Qinjin Fan
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
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Parker C, Berkovic D, Ayton D, Zomer E, Liew D, Wei A. Patient Perceived Financial Burden in Haematological Malignancies: A Systematic Review. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:3807-3824. [PMID: 35735414 PMCID: PMC9221876 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29060305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in scientific understanding have led to novel therapies and improved supportive care for many patients with haematological malignancies. However, these new drugs are often costly, only available at centralised health care facilities, require regular specialist reviews and lengthy treatment regimens. This leads to a significant financial burden. Understanding the impact of financial burden on haematological patients is important to appreciate the urgency of alleviating this systemic issue. Method: Eligible studies were identified by systematically searching Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Embase. Self-reported data reported in both quantitative and qualitative studies that described the financial burden for patients with haematological malignancies were included. Quality appraisal of the included studies was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. A narrative synthesis was employed. For quantitative studies, outcomes were extracted, tabulated and categorised to find similarities and differences between the studies. For qualitative studies, quotations, codes and themes were extracted and then clustered. An inductive approach derived qualitative themes. Results: Twenty studies were identified for inclusion. Of the quantitative studies most (83%) employed un-validated researcher-generated measures to assess financial burden. Between 15–59% of patients experienced a financial burden. Out-of-pocket expenditure was frequent for clinical appointments, prescription and non-prescription medication, and travel. Financial burden was associated with a worsening quality of life and living in metropolitan areas, but there was no evidence for impact on survival. Patient-centred experiences from the qualitative inquiry complemented the quantitative findings and five themes were determined: familial or household impact; reliance on others; barriers to care due to cost; and barriers to accessing financial assistance and sources of out-of-pocket expenses. Conclusion: The impacts of financial burden are yet to be fully appreciated in haematological malignancies, exacerbated by the heterogeneous methods employed by researchers. Future work should focus on identifying the long-term ramifications of financial burden for patients and should trial interventions to reduce its prevalence and patient impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona Parker
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (D.B.); (D.A.); (E.Z.); (D.L.)
- Department of Haematology, Alfred Health, Melbourne 3004, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Danielle Berkovic
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (D.B.); (D.A.); (E.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Darshini Ayton
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (D.B.); (D.A.); (E.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Ella Zomer
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (D.B.); (D.A.); (E.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Danny Liew
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; (D.B.); (D.A.); (E.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Andrew Wei
- Department of Haematology, Alfred Health, Melbourne 3004, Australia;
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Meernik C, Mersereau JE, Baggett CD, Engel SM, Moy LM, Cannizzaro NT, Peavey M, Kushi LH, Chao CR, Nichols HB. Fertility Preservation and Financial Hardship among Adolescent and Young Adult Women with Cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022; 31:1043-1051. [PMID: 35506248 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-21-1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financial hardship among adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer who receive gonadotoxic treatments may be exacerbated by the use of fertility services. This study examined whether AYA women with cancer who used fertility preservation had increased financial hardship. METHODS AYA women with cancer in North Carolina and California completed a survey in 2018-2019. Cancer-related financial hardship was compared between women who cryopreserved oocytes or embryos for fertility preservation after cancer diagnosis (n = 65) and women who received gonadotoxic treatment and reported discussing fertility with their provider, but did not use fertility preservation (n = 491). Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Women were a median age of 33 years at diagnosis and 7 years from diagnosis at the time of survey. Women who used fertility preservation were primarily ages 25 to 34 years at diagnosis (65%), non-Hispanic White (72%), and had at least a Bachelor's degree (85%). In adjusted analysis, use of fertility preservation was associated with 1.50 times the prevalence of material financial hardship (95% CI: 1.08-2.09). The magnitude of hardship was also substantially higher among women who used fertility preservation: 12% reported debt of ≥$25,000 versus 5% in the referent group. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new evidence that cryopreserving oocytes or embryos after cancer diagnosis for future family building is associated with increased financial vulnerability. IMPACT More legislation that mandates insurance coverage to mitigate hardships stemming from iatrogenic infertility could improve access to fertility preservation for young women with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Meernik
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer E Mersereau
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Christopher D Baggett
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Stephanie M Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lisa M Moy
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Nancy T Cannizzaro
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Mary Peavey
- Atlantic Reproductive Medicine Associates, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Lawrence H Kushi
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Chun R Chao
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Hazel B Nichols
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Yabroff KR, Han X, Song W, Zhao J, Nogueira L, Pollack CE, Jemal A, Zheng Z. Association of Medical Financial Hardship and Mortality Among Cancer Survivors in the United States. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:863-870. [PMID: 35442439 PMCID: PMC9194618 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer survivors frequently experience medical financial hardship in the United States. Little is known, however, about long-term health consequences. This study examines the associations of financial hardship and mortality in a large nationally representative sample of cancer survivors. METHODS We identified cancer survivors aged 18-64 years (n = 14 917) and 65-79 years (n = 10 391) from the 1997-2014 National Health Interview Survey and its linked mortality files with vital status through December 31, 2015. Medical financial hardship was measured as problems affording care or delaying or forgoing any care because of cost in the past 12 months. Risk of mortality was estimated with separate weighted Cox proportional hazards models by age group with age as the timescale, controlling for the effects of sociodemographic characteristics. Health insurance coverage was added sequentially to multivariable models. RESULTS Among cancer survivors aged 18-64 years and 65-79 years, 29.6% and 11.0%, respectively, reported financial hardship in the past 12 months. Survivors with hardship had higher adjusted mortality risk than their counterparts in both age groups: 18-64 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04 to 1.30) and 65-79 years (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.28). Further adjustment for health insurance reduced the magnitude of association of hardship and mortality among survivors aged 18-64 years (HR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.97 to 1.24). Adjustment for supplemental Medicare coverage had little effect among survivors aged 65-79 years (HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.29). CONCLUSION Medical financial hardship was associated with mortality risk among cancer survivors in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Weishan Song
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Leticia Nogueira
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Craig E Pollack
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ahmedin Jemal
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Paro A, Hyer JM, Shaikh CF, Pawlik TM. Financial Impact of Out-of-Pocket Costs Among Patients Undergoing Resection for Colorectal Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:5387-5397. [PMID: 35430665 PMCID: PMC9013274 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-11755-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Little is known about the societal burden of cancer surgical care in terms of out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. The current study sought to define OOP costs incurred by patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection. Methods Privately insured patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection between 2013 and 2017 were identified from the IBM MarketScan database. Total and OOP costs were calculated within 1 year prior to and 1 year post surgery. A multivariable linear regression model was used to estimate total OOP costs relative to patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Results Among 10,935 patients, 7289 (66.7%) had primary colon cancer while 3643 (33.3%) had rectal cancer. Median total costs were US$93,967 (IQR US$51027–168,251). Median OOP costs were US$4417 (IQR US$2519–6943), or 4.5% (IQR 2.2–8.1%) of total costs. OOP costs varied over the course of patient care; specifically, median OOP costs in the preoperative period were US$432 (IQR US$130–1452) versus US$2146 (IQR US$851–3525) in the perioperative period and US$969 (IQR US$327–2239) in the postoperative period. On multivariable analysis, receipt of chemotherapy (+US$1368, 95%CI +US$1211 to +US$1525) or radiotherapy (+US$842, 95% CI +US$626 to +US$1059) was associated with higher total OOP costs. Patients with a health maintenance organization (HMO) (−US$2119, 95% CI −US$2550 to −US$1689) or a point-of-service plan (−US$938, 95% CI −US$1385 to −US$491) had lower total OOP costs than patients with comprehensive insurance. In contrast, patients with a consumer-driven or a high-deductible health plan had considerably higher total OOP costs than patients with comprehensive insurance (+US$1400, 95% CI +US$972 to +US$1827 and +US$3243, 95% CI +US$2767 to +US$3717, respectively). Conclusions Privately insured colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgical resection pay a median of US$4417 in OOP costs, or 4.5% of total costs. OOP costs varied with receipt of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, region of residence, and insurance plan type. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1245/s10434-022-11755-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Paro
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - J Madison Hyer
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chanza F Shaikh
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
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49
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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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50
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Shankaran V, Li L, Fedorenko C, Sanchez H, Du Y, Khor S, Kreizenbeck K, Ramsey S. Risk of Adverse Financial Events in Patients With Cancer: Evidence From a Novel Linkage Between Cancer Registry and Credit Records. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:884-891. [PMID: 34995125 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.01636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although financial toxicity is a growing cancer survivorship issue, no studies have used credit data to estimate the relative risk of financial hardship in patients with cancer versus individuals without cancer. We conducted a population-based retrospective matched cohort study using credit reports to investigate the impact of a cancer diagnosis on the risk of adverse financial events (AFEs). METHODS Western Washington SEER cancer registry (cases) and voter registry (controls) records from 2013 to 2018 were linked to quarterly credit records from TransUnion. Controls were age-, sex-, and zip code-matched to cancer cases and assigned an index date corresponding to the case's diagnosis date. Cases and controls experiencing past-due credit card payments and any of the following AFEs at 24 months from diagnosis or index were compared, using two-sample z tests: third-party collections, charge-offs, tax liens, delinquent mortgage payments, foreclosures, and repossessions. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of cancer diagnosis with AFEs and past-due credit payments. RESULTS A total of 190,722 individuals (63,574 cases and 127,148 controls, mean age 66 years) were included. AFEs (4.3% v 2.4%, P < .0001) and past-due credit payments (2.6% v 1.9%, P < .0001) were more common in cases than in controls. After adjusting for age, sex, average baseline credit line, area deprivation index, and index/diagnosis year, patients with cancer had a higher risk of AFEs (odds ratio 1.71; 95% CI, 1.61 to 1.81; P < .0001) and past-due credit payments (odds ratio 1.28; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.37; P < .0001) than controls. CONCLUSION Patients with cancer were at significantly increased risk of experiencing AFEs and past-due credit card payments relative to controls. Studies are needed to investigate the impact of these events on treatment decisions, quality of life, and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Shankaran
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA.,Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Li Li
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Catherine Fedorenko
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Hayley Sanchez
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Sara Khor
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Karma Kreizenbeck
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Scott Ramsey
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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