Do discussions of financial burdens decrease long-term financial toxicity in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors?

Financial stress in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes: a mini review integrating lessons from cancer research

Amongst adults in the United States, those ages 18-30 have the highest unemployment rates, the lowest incomes, and are the most likely to be uninsured. Achieving financial independence is a core developmental task for this age group, but for those with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the high costs of insulin and diabetes supplies as well as an employment-based insurance model with minimal safety net can make this a formidable challenge. Cost-related non-adherence to diabetes management is particularly high in emerging adults with T1D and is associated with severe consequences, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and even death. Objective financial burden and subjective financial distress related to illness are not unique to diabetes; in cancer care this construct is termed financial toxicity. Researchers have identified that emerging adults with cancer are particularly vulnerable to financial toxicity. Such research has helped inform models of care for cancer patients to mitigate cost-related stress. This mini review aims to briefly describe the state of the science on financial stress for emerging adults with T1D and explore parallels in cancer scholarship that can help guide future work in diabetes care to reduce health inequity, drive research forward, improve clinical care, and inform policy debates.

Short-term and long-term financial toxicity from breast cancer treatment: a qualitative study

PURPOSE

The rising cost of breast cancer treatment has increased patients' financial burden, intensifying an already stressful treatment process. Although researchers increasingly recognize the harmful impact of medical and nonmedical costs associated with cancer treatment, understanding patients' perspectives of financial toxicity is limited. We aimed to explore the topic of financial toxicity through the lived experiences of patients with breast cancer from groups at risk of social and economic marginalization.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 50 women with breast cancer from four specific groups: Black women, Medicaid enrollees, rural residents, and women age ≤ 40. We transcribed, coded, and analyzed the data using deductive and inductive approaches.

RESULTS

Two overarching themes captured patients' experiences of financial toxicity: short-term and long-term impacts. Short-term stressors included direct medical (e.g., co-pays, premiums), nonmedical (e.g., transportation, lodging), and indirect (e.g., job loss, reduced work hours) costs. Early in their treatments, patients' focus on survival took precedence over financial concerns. However, as the treatment course progressed, fear of consequences from compounding costs of care and financial distress negatively impacted patients' lifestyles and outlooks for the future.

CONCLUSION

Programs addressing financial toxicity that look beyond early-phase interventions are needed. Specifically, patients struggling with the accumulation of treatment costs and the resultant stress require ongoing support. Long-term support is especially needed for groups vulnerable to financial instability and social marginalization.