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He X, Chen J, Zhang L, Li Q, Zhu X, Zhao J, Chen Y. Identifying the factors affecting financial toxicity status in patients with middle and advanced colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1421314. [PMID: 39081353 PMCID: PMC11286404 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1421314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second most prevalent type of cancer in China. The financial implications of treatment are a significant factor to be taken into account for patients diagnosed with middle and advanced stages of colorectal cancer (III-IV CRC). The research aims to explore current financial toxicity (FT) conditions and analyze factors that may influence it in patients with middle and advanced CRC. Method This is a cross-sectional survey. The participants of the study were individuals diagnosed with middle and advanced colorectal cancer who were admitted to the hospital between January and June 2023. The cross-sectional survey utilized a variety of instruments, including a general information questionnaire, a cancer patient report outcome economic toxicity scale, a medical coping style questionnaire, an Anderson symptom assessment scale, a disease shame scale, and a social support scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to examine the factors influencing FT. Result A cohort of 264 patients diagnosed with stage III-IV CRC were included in the study. The majority of patients with intermediate and advanced CRC (87.1%, n = 230) reported experiencing substantial financial strain. Multivariate analysis revealed that factors influencing FT included low family monthly income, out-of-pocket expenses, unemployment, undergoing surgical treatment, the level of stigma, and the severity of symptoms (P < 0.001). Conclusion Patients with stage III-IV cancer (CRC) demonstrate increased levels of financial toxicity (FT), a common occurrence in individuals with moderate to severe CRC. In patients with stage III-IV CRC, the presence of FT is correlated with various factors including family monthly income, medical payment methods, work status, surgical treatment, stigma levels, and symptom severity. These characteristics may serve as influencing factors for subsequent treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang He
- Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Department of Nursing, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Qiuping Li
- Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Nursing, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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Deboever N, Eisenberg M, Hofstetter WL, Mehran RJ, Rice DC, Roth J, Sepesi B, Swisher SG, Vaporciyan AA, Walsh GL, Antonoff MB, Rajaram R. Financial Toxicity in Patients With Resected Lung Cancer. Ann Surg 2023; 278:1038-1044. [PMID: 37249193 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe financial toxicity (FT) in patients with resected lung cancer and identify risk factors in this population. BACKGROUND FT describes the financial burden associated with cancer care and its impact on the quality of survivorship. Few prior studies have examined FT in patients with lung cancer. METHODS Patients who underwent lung cancer resection at our institution between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021, were surveyed to gather demographic information and evaluate FT using a validated questionnaire. A multivariable model was built to identify risk factors for FT. RESULTS Of the total, 1477 patients were contacted, of whom 463 responded (31.3%). Most patients were stage I (n = 349, 75.4%) and lobectomy was performed often (n = 290, 62.8%). There were 196 patients (42.3%) who experienced FT. Upon multivariable analyses, divorced marital status [odds ratio (OR) = 3.658, 95% CI: 1.180-11.337], household income <$40,000 (OR = 2.544, 95% CI: 1.003-6.455), credit score below 739 (OR = 2.744, 95% CI: 1.326-5.679), clinical stage >I (OR = 2.053, 95% CI: 1.088-3.877), and change in work hours or work cessation (all P < 0.05) were associated with FT. Coping mechanisms, such as decreased spending on food or clothing and increased use of savings or borrowing money, were more likely to be reported by patients experiencing FT than those who did not ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing lung cancer resection often experienced significant financial stress with several identifiable risk factors. FT should be considered early in the care of these patients to alleviate detrimental coping mechanisms and enhance their quality of survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel Deboever
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Saiga M, Nakagiri R, Mukai Y, Matsumoto H, Kimata Y. Trends and issues in clinical research on satisfaction and quality of life after mastectomy and breast reconstruction: a 5-year scoping review. Int J Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s10147-023-02347-5. [PMID: 37160493 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-023-02347-5] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Breast reconstruction (BR) aims to improve the satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors. Clinical studies using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can therefore provide relevant information to the patients and support decision-making. This scoping review was conducted to analyze recent trends in world regions, methods used, and factors investigated. The literature search was conducted in August 2022. Databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were searched for relevant English-language studies published from 2017 to 2022. Studies involving women with breast cancer who underwent BR after mastectomy and investigated PROs after BR using BR-specific scales were included. Data on the country, publication year, study design, PRO measures (PROMs) used, time points of surveys, and research themes were collected. In total, 147 articles met the inclusion criteria. BREAST-Q was the most widely used, contributing to the increase in the number and diversification of studies in this area. Such research has been conducted mainly in North America and Europe and is still developing in Asia and other regions. The research themes involved a wide range of clinical and patient factors in addition to surgery, which could be influenced by research methods, time since surgery, and even cultural differences. Recent BR-specific PROMs have led to a worldwide development of research on factors that affect satisfaction and QOL after BR. PRO after BR may be influenced by local cultural and social features, and it would be necessary to accumulate data in each region to draw clinically useful conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Saiga
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Ryoko Nakagiri
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuko Mukai
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Okayama Rosai Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsumoto
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kimata
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Ehsan AN, Wu CA, Minasian A, Singh T, Bass M, Pace L, Ibbotson GC, Bempong-Ahun N, Pusic A, Scott JW, Mekary RA, Ranganathan K. Financial Toxicity Among Patients With Breast Cancer Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2255388. [PMID: 36753274 PMCID: PMC9909501 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.55388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Financial toxicity (FT) is the negative impact of cost of care on financial well-being. Patients with breast cancer are at risk for incurring high out-of-pocket costs given the long-term need for multidisciplinary care and expensive treatments. Objective To quantify the FT rate of patients with breast cancer and identify particularly vulnerable patient populations nationally and internationally. Data Sources A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Four databases-Embase, PubMed, Global Index Medicus, and Global Health (EBSCO)-were queried from inception to February 2021. Data analysis was performed from March to December 2022. Study Selection A comprehensive database search was performed for full-text, English-language articles reporting FT among patients with breast cancer. Two independent reviewers conducted study screening and selection; 462 articles underwent full-text review. Data Extraction and Synthesis A standardized data extraction tool was developed and validated by 2 independent authors; study quality was also assessed. Variables assessed included race, income, insurance status, education status, employment, urban or rural status, and cancer stage and treatment. Pooled estimates of FT rates and their 95% CIs were obtained using the random-effects model. Main Outcomes and Measures FT was the primary outcome and was evaluated using quantitative FT measures, including rate of patients experiencing FT, and qualitative FT measures, including patient-reported outcome measures or patient-reported severity and interviews. The rates of patients in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries who incurred FT according to out-of-pocket cost, income, or patient-reported impact of expenditures during breast cancer diagnosis and treatment were reported as a meta-analysis. Results Of the 11 086 articles retrieved, 34 were included in the study. Most studies were from high-income countries (24 studies), and the rest were from low- and middle-income countries (10 studies). The sample size of included studies ranged from 5 to 2445 people. There was significant heterogeneity in the definition of FT. FT rate was pooled from 18 articles. The pooled FT rate was 35.3% (95% CI, 27.3%-44.4%) in high-income countries and 78.8% (95% CI, 60.4%-90.0%) in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusions and Relevance Substantial FT is associated with breast cancer treatment worldwide. Although the FT rate was higher in low- and middle-income countries, more than 30% of patients in high-income countries also incurred FT. Policies designed to offset the burden of direct medical and nonmedical costs are required to improve the financial health of vulnerable patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam N. Ehsan
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine A. Wu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of California, Orange
| | - Alexandra Minasian
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tavneet Singh
- School of Pharmacy, MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michelle Bass
- Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lydia Pace
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Geoffrey C. Ibbotson
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Surgery Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nefti Bempong-Ahun
- United Nations Institute for Training and Research, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
- The Global Surgery Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Pusic
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John W. Scott
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Rania A. Mekary
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- School of Pharmacy, MCPHS University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kavitha Ranganathan
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Berlin NL, Chopra Z, Bryant A, Agius J, Singh SR, Chhabra KR, Schulz P, West BT, Ryan AM, Kullgren JT. Individualized Out-of-Pocket Price Estimators for "Shoppable" Surgical Procedures: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study of US Hospitals. ANNALS OF SURGERY OPEN 2022; 3:e162. [PMID: 36936723 PMCID: PMC10013173 DOI: 10.1097/as9.0000000000000162] [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: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To estimate the nationwide prevalence of individualized out-of-pocket (OOP) price estimators at US hospitals, characterize patterns of inclusion of 14 specified "shoppable" surgical procedures, and determine hospital-level characteristics associated with estimators that include surgical procedures. Background Price transparency for shoppable surgical services is a key requirement of several recent federal policies, yet the extent to which hospitals provide online OOP price estimators remains unknown. Methods We reviewed a stratified random sample of 485 U.S. hospitals for the presence of a tool to allow patients to estimate individualized OOP expenses for healthcare services. We compared characteristics of hospitals that did and did not offer online price estimators and performed multivariable modeling to identify facility-level predictors of hospitals offering price estimator with and without surgical procedures. Results Nearly two-thirds (66.0%) of hospitals in the final sample (95% confidence interval 61.6%-70.1%) offered an online tool for estimating OOP healthcare expenses. Approximately 58.5% of hospitals included at least one shoppable surgical procedure while around 6.6% of hospitals included all 14 surgical procedures. The most common price reported was laparoscopic cholecystectomy (55.1%), and the least common was recurrent cataract removal (20.0%). Inclusion of surgical procedures varied by total annual surgical volume and health system membership. Only 26.9% of estimators explicitly included professional fees. Conclusions Our findings highlight an ongoing progress in price transparency, as well as key areas for improvement in future policies to help patients make more financially informed decisions about their surgical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas L. Berlin
- From the National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Zoey Chopra
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Arrice Bryant
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Simone R. Singh
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Paul Schulz
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Brady T. West
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Andrew M. Ryan
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jeffrey T. Kullgren
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
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Corkum J, Zhu V, Agbafe V, Sun SX, Chu C, Colen JS, Greenup R, Offodile AC. Area Deprivation Index and Rurality in Relation to Financial Toxicity among Breast Cancer Surgical Patients: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study of Geospatial Differences in Risk Profiles. J Am Coll Surg 2022; 234:816-826. [PMID: 35426394 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financial toxicity (FT) depicts the burden of cancer treatment costs and is associated with lower quality of life and survival in breast cancer patients. We examined the relationship between geospatial location, represented by rurality and Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and risk of FT. STUDY DESIGN A single-institution, cross-sectional study was performed on adult female surgical breast cancer patients using survey data retrospectively collected between January 2018 and June 2019. Chart reviews were used to obtain patient information, and FT was identified using the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity questionnaire, which is a validated instrument. Patients' home addresses were used to determine rurality using the Rural Urban Continuum Codes and linked to national ADI score. ADI was analyzed in tertiles for univariate statistical analyses, and as a continuous variable to develop multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the independent associations of geospatial location with FT. RESULTS A total of 568 surgical breast cancer patients were included. Univariate analyses found significant differences across ADI tertiles with respect to race/ethnicity, marital status, insurance type, education, and rurality. In multivariable analysis, advanced cancer stage (odds ratio [OR] 2.26, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.44) and higher ADI (OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.02) were associated with worsening odds of FT. Increasing age (continuous) (OR 0.976, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99), married status (vs unmarried) (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.70), and receipt of bilateral mastectomy (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.96) were protective of FT. CONCLUSIONS FT was significantly associated with areas of greater socioeconomic deprivation as measured by the ADI. However, in adjusted analyses, rurality was not significantly associated with FT. ADI can be useful for preoperative screening of at-risk populations and the targeted deployment of community-based interventions to alleviate FT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Corkum
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery (Corkum, Chu, Offodile), University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Victor Zhu
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX (Zhu)
| | - Victor Agbafe
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI (Agbafe)
| | - Susie X Sun
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology (Sun, Colen), University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Carrie Chu
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery (Corkum, Chu, Offodile), University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jessica Suarez Colen
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology (Sun, Colen), University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Rachel Greenup
- Section of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (Greenup)
| | - Anaeze C Offodile
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery (Corkum, Chu, Offodile), University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Health Services Research (Offodile), University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX (Offodile)
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Berlin NL, Abrahamse P, Momoh AO, Katz SJ, Jagsi R, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Hawley ST. Perceived financial decline related to breast reconstruction following mastectomy in a diverse population-based cohort. Cancer 2022; 128:1284-1293. [PMID: 34847259 PMCID: PMC8882150 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite mandated insurance coverage for breast reconstruction following mastectomy, health care costs are increasingly passed on to women through cost-sharing arrangements and high-deductible health plans. In this population-based study, the authors assessed perceived financial and employment declines related to breast reconstruction following mastectomy. METHODS Women with early-stage breast cancer (stages 0-II) diagnosed between July 2013 and May 2015 who underwent mastectomy were identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries of Georgia and Los Angeles and were surveyed. Primary outcome measures included patients' appraisal of their financial and employment status after cancer treatment. Multivariable models evaluated the association between breast reconstruction and primary outcomes. RESULTS Among 883 patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy, 44.2% did not undergo breast reconstruction, and 55.8% underwent reconstruction. Overall, 21.9% of the cohort reported being worse off financially since their diagnosis (25.8% with reconstruction vs 16.6% without reconstruction; P = .002). Women who underwent reconstruction reported higher out-of-pocket medical expenses (32.1% vs 15.6% with expenses greater than $5000; P < .001). Reconstruction was independently associated with a perceived decline in financial status (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-3.22; P = .013). Among women who were employed at the time of their diagnosis, there was no association between reconstruction and a perceived decline in employment status (P = .927). CONCLUSIONS In this diverse cohort of women who underwent mastectomy, those who elected to undergo reconstruction experienced higher out-of-pocket medical expenses and self-reported financial decline. Patients, providers, and policymakers should be aware of the potential financial implications related to reconstruction despite mandatory insurance coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas L Berlin
- Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,National Clinician Scholars Program, Institute for Health Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Paul Abrahamse
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Adeyiza O Momoh
- Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Steven J Katz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Reshma Jagsi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kevin C Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Health Care Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Hughes TM, Dossett LA. Financial Toxicity: Exploring the Role of Treatment Choice. J Am Coll Surg 2021; 233:456-458. [PMID: 34446218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Discussion: Understanding the Relationship between Breast Reconstruction Subtype and Risk of Financial Toxicity: A Single-Institution Pilot Study. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 148:12e-13e. [PMID: 34181600 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000008113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Boukovalas S, Liu J, Asaad M, Schaverien MV, Akay C, Garvey PB, Hwang RF, Offodile AC. Relationship Between Financial Toxicity and Surgical Treatment for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Breast-Conserving Therapy and Mastectomy. J Am Coll Surg 2021; 233:445-456.e2. [PMID: 34111529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financial toxicity (FT) can lead to decreased quality of life and poor treatment outcomes. However, there is limited published data on the extent to which the various surgical treatment approaches for early-stage breast cancer are determinants for FT. STUDY DESIGN We performed a single-institution cross-sectional survey of adult female patients with stage 0 to II breast cancer undergoing unilateral breast-conserving therapy or unilateral mastectomy. FT was measured using the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) survey. Propensity matching was performed to optimize comparability of study groups. A multivariate regression model was used to identify factors associated with worsening FT as a robustness check. Our secondary end point was prevalence of coping strategies associated with cost of cancer care. RESULTS Among 294 patients who met inclusion criteria, 203 underwent breast-conserving therapy and 91 received mastectomy. We generated 72 total matched pairs and noted no differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Of these, 55 pairs had complete COST information, which was comparable on adjusted analysis (26.6 vs 24.7; p = 0.481). High annual income (β = 4.83; p < 0.001) and supplemental insurance (β = 5.37; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher COST scores, while change in employment status (β = -4.81; p < 0.001) correlated significantly with lower COST scores. No significant differences were observed in coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS Choice of BCT or mastectomy was not associated with a differential risk for FT in early-stage cancer. Decisions on ablative approach should be made based on patient preferences and disease-specific criteria. Transparent counseling on FT for high-risk populations promotes patient-centricity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Boukovalas
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, TN
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Malke Asaad
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Mark V Schaverien
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Catherine Akay
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Patrick B Garvey
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Rosa F Hwang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Anaeze C Offodile
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX.
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