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Wu VS, Shen X, de Moor J, Chino F, Klein J. Financial Toxicity in Radiation Oncology: Impact for Our Patients and for Practicing Radiation Oncologists. Adv Radiat Oncol 2024; 9:101419. [PMID: 38379894 PMCID: PMC10876607 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2023.101419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
With rising costs of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, financial burdens on patients with cancer and negative effects from high costs, called financial toxicity (FT), are growing. Research suggests that FT may be experienced by more than half of working-age cancer survivors and a similar proportion may incur debt or avoid recommended prescription medications due to treatment costs. As FT can lead to worse physical, psychological, financial, and survival outcomes, there is a discrete need to identify research gaps around this issue that constrain the development and implementation of effective screening and innovative care delivery interventions. Prior research, including within a radiation oncology-specific context, has sought to identify the scope of FT among patients with cancer, develop assessment tools to evaluate patient risk, quantify financial sacrifices, and qualify care compromises that occur when cancer care is unaffordable. FT is a multifactorial problem and potential solutions should be pursued at all levels of the health care system (patient-provider, institutional, and systemic) with specific regard for patients' individual/local contexts. Solutions may include selecting alternative treatment schedules, discussing financial concerns with patients, providing financial navigation services, low-cost transportation options, and system-wide health policy shifts. This review summarizes existing FT research, describes tools developed to measure FT, and suggests areas for intervention and study to help improve FT and outcomes for radiation oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria S. Wu
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Xinglei Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Kansas Cancer Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Janet de Moor
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Affordability Working Group, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jonathan Klein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Maimonides Medical Center and State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York
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2
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Halpern MT, de Moor JS, Han X, Zhao J, Zheng Z, Yabroff KR. Association of Employment Disruptions and Financial Hardship Among Individuals Diagnosed with Cancer in the United States: Findings from a Nationally Representative Study. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1830-1839. [PMID: 37705562 PMCID: PMC10496757 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Financial hardship (FH), defined as adverse patient effects due to cancer costs, is experienced by approximately half of individuals diagnosed with cancer. Many individuals diagnosed with cancer also experience disruptions with their employment. This study examines associations of employment disruptions and FH among a nationally representative sample of individuals diagnosed with cancer in the United States. We utilized 2016/2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Experiences with Cancer data from individuals who worked for pay following cancer diagnosis. Employment disruption included taking extended paid time off work; switching to part-time/less demanding jobs; and/or retiring early due to cancer diagnosis/treatment. FH domains included: material (e.g., borrowing money/financial sacrifices); psychologic (e.g., worrying about medical bills/income); and behavioral (delaying/forgoing healthcare services because of cost). Multivariable logistic regression analyses determined associations of employment disruption and FH. Among 732 individuals with a cancer history, 47.4% experienced employment disruptions; 55.9% experienced any FH. Any FH was significantly more common among individuals with versus without employment disruptions across multiple measures and domains (68.7% vs. 44.5%; P value of difference <0.0001). Individuals with employment disruptions were more likely to have any FH [OR, 2.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.62-3.52] and more FHs (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.96-3.89]. This study highlights that employment disruptions are common and significantly associated with multiple domains of FH among individuals with a cancer history. Employer workplace accommodation, physician discussions regarding potential impacts of cancer care on employment, and other policies to minimize employment disruptions among individuals diagnosed with cancer may reduce FH in this vulnerable population. Significance Individuals diagnosed with cancer may have employment disruptions; they may also develop FHs. People with cancer who have employment changes are more likely to also have FHs. Physicians and employers can help individuals with cancer through advancing planning, workplace assistance, and improved medical leave and insurance policies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jingxuan Zhao
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- 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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3
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Bradley CJ, Shih YCT, Yabroff KR. Ensuring Employment After Cancer Diagnosis: Are Workable Solutions Obvious? J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:970-973. [PMID: 36331244 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy J Bradley
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center and Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO
| | - Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Section of Cancer Economics and Policy, Department of Health Services Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA
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4
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Bradley CJ, Schulick RD, Yabroff KR. Unpaid Caregiving: What are the Hidden Costs? J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:1431-1433. [PMID: 35984302 PMCID: PMC9664173 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy J Bradley
- Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard D Schulick
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
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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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Klein WMP, O'Connell ME, Bloch MH, Czajkowski SM, Green PA, Han PKJ, Moser RP, Nebeling LC, Vanderpool RC. Behavioral Research in Cancer Prevention and Control: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities. J Natl Cancer Inst 2021; 114:179-186. [PMID: 34240206 PMCID: PMC8344826 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djab139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that behaviors such as poor diet, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, sedentary behavior, and excessive ultraviolet exposure account for nearly one-half of all cancer morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, the behavioral, social, and communication sciences have been important contributors to cancer prevention and control research, with methodological advances and implementation science helping to produce optimally effective interventions. To sustain these contributions, it is vital to adapt to the contemporary context. Efforts must consider ancillary effects of the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic, profound changes in the information environment and public understanding of and trust in science, renewed attention to structural racism and social determinants of health, and the rapidly increasing population of cancer survivors. Within this context, it is essential to accelerate reductions in tobacco use across all population subgroups; consider new models of energy balance (diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior); increase awareness of alcohol as a risk factor for cancer; and identify better communication practices in the context of cancer-related decisions such as screening and genetic testing. Successful integration of behavioral research and cancer prevention depends on working globally and seamlessly across disciplines, taking a multilevel approach where possible. Methodological and analytic approaches should be emphasized in research training programs and should use new and underused data sources and technologies. As the leadership core of the National Cancer Institute’s Behavioral Research Program, we reflect on these challenges and opportunities and consider implications for the next phase of behavioral research in cancer prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M P Klein
- Associate Director, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - Mary E O'Connell
- Scientific Program Manager, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - Michele H Bloch
- Chief, Tobacco Control Research Branch, National Cancer Institute
| | | | - Paige A Green
- Chief, Basic Biobehavioral/Psychological Sciences Research Branch, National Cancer Institute
| | - Paul K J Han
- Senior Scientist, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - Richard P Moser
- Training Director and Research Methods Coordinator, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute
| | - Linda C Nebeling
- Deputy Associate Director, Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute
| | - Robin C Vanderpool
- Chief, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute
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Dugan AG, Decker RE, Namazi S, Cavallari JM, Bellizzi KM, Blank TO, Dornelas EA, Tannenbaum SH, Shaw WS, Swede H, Salner AL. Perceptions of clinical support for employed breast cancer survivors managing work and health challenges. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 15:890-905. [PMID: 33405056 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-020-00982-9] [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: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A substantial portion of breast cancer survivors are active in the workforce, yet factors that allow survivors to balance work with cancer management and to return to work are poorly understood. We examined breast cancer survivors' most valued/desired types of support in early survivorship. METHODS Seventy-six employed breast cancer survivors answered an open-ended survey question assessing the most valued/desired support to receive from healthcare providers during early survivorship to manage work and health. Cutrona's (Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 9:3-14, 1990) optimal matching theory and House's (1981) conceptualization of social support types informed our analyses. Data were content-analyzed to identify themes related to support, whether needed support was received or not, and the types of healthcare providers who provided support. RESULTS We identified six themes related to types of support. Informational support was valued and mostly received by survivors, but they expected more guidance related to work. Emotional support was valued but lacking, attributed mainly to providers' lack of personal connection and mental health support. Instrumental (practical) support was valued but received by a small number of participants. Quality of life support to promote well-being and functionality was valued and often received. Other themes included non-specific support and non-support. CONCLUSIONS This study expands our understanding of how breast cancer survivors perceive work-related support from healthcare professionals. Findings will inform targeted interventions designed to improve the support provided by healthcare professionals. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Breast cancer survivors managing work and health challenges may benefit by having their unmet support needs fulfilled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia G Dugan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
| | - Ragan E Decker
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Sara Namazi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Jennifer M Cavallari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Keith M Bellizzi
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Thomas O Blank
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 1058, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Ellen A Dornelas
- Hartford Hospital, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute, 80 Seymour St, Hartford, CT, 06102, USA
| | - Susan H Tannenbaum
- Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - William S Shaw
- Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Helen Swede
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Andrew L Salner
- Hartford Hospital, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute, 80 Seymour St, Hartford, CT, 06102, USA
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Swanberg JE, Vanderpool RC, Tracy JK. Cancer-work management during active treatment: towards a conceptual framework. Cancer Causes Control 2020; 31:463-472. [PMID: 32125547 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-020-01285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Forward progress in cancer treatment has resulted in fewer adverse consequences of cancer during and after treatment, offering employed cancer patients the possibility of continuing to work during treatment, returning to work after treatment, or implementing a combination of strategies to manage the cancer-work interface. Yet, much of the research on cancer and employment examines return to work as the primary outcome, neglecting to consider the circumstances of survivors who maintain employment while engaged in active treatment. We introduce the Cancer-Work Management Framework (CWMF), a conceptual framework for understanding the cancer and job demands survivors who continue to work during active treatment experience and how cancer and job resources and strategies could promote cancer-work fit and ultimately optimize employment and health outcomes. METHODS We provide an overview of the research describing the cancer-work management experiences of survivors who maintain employment during active treatment and summarize the theories that informed the CWMF including ecological systems, boundary-spanning, and job demands and resources theories. RESULTS The paper presents a description of the components of the CWMF which include cancer demands, cancer care resources and strategies, work demands, and workplace resources. We also describe a process-cancer-work fit-that reflects the interplay between demands and resources influence employment and health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Future research directions for developing knowledge about the cancer-work management process are proposed with suggestions for study of how cancer and job demands influence cancer treatment and employment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Swanberg
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Professional Studies, Providence College, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI, 02918, USA.
- University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Robin C Vanderpool
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - J Kathleen Tracy
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Su M, Zhang N, Cai Y, Wang J, Anderson R, Yao N, Sun X. Work and income changes after cancer in rural China: A cross-sectional survey. Cancer Med 2019; 8:7859-7868. [PMID: 31650699 PMCID: PMC6912067 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The present study aimed to first describe the work‐related outcomes of cancer survivors and to then identify those characteristics that influenced the decision to stop working in rural China. Methods We assessed 752 cancer survivors (residents of rural areas, working at the time of diagnosis, >1 year since completing treatment) from the cross‐sectional study “China Survey of Experiences with Cancer”. Participants reported changes in employment status, income, and the ability to perform physical jobs due to cancer, as well as the work‐related outcomes of their informal caregivers. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between sociodemographic characteristics, cancer characteristics, and changes in work (ie, continue to work vs not working). Results The participants were largely farmers (96%), women (56%), younger than 65 years old (69%), and diagnosed with colorectal (31%) and breast cancer (31%). Thirty‐nine percent reported reducing working hours, and 40% reported stopping work altogether. Approximately 7% of informal caregivers also stopped working in order to take care of those diagnosed with cancer. Thirty‐three percent of cancer survivors and 5% of their informal caregivers had no source of income following treatment. Controlling for other variables, lower educational attainment, physical limitations in work, and different cancer sites were significantly associated with ending employment in both men and women, while among men specifically, we observed that older age, being unmarried, and being diagnosed at later stages were significantly associated with an end to working. Conclusion Rural cancer survivors are at a high risk for stopping work after completing treatment, and many survivors and their caregivers experience poor work‐related outcomes and economic hardship. These results highlight the importance of paying attention to the work experiences of cancer survivors in rural China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Su
- School of Health Care Management (Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy, National Health Commission), Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Center for Cancer Control and Policy Research, School of Health Care Management, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Center for Cancer Control and Policy Research, School of Health Care Management, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanchu Cai
- School of Health Care Management (Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy, National Health Commission), Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Center for Cancer Control and Policy Research, School of Health Care Management, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Roger Anderson
- Center for Cancer Control and Policy Research, School of Health Care Management, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Nengliang Yao
- School of Health Care Management (Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy, National Health Commission), Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Center for Cancer Control and Policy Research, School of Health Care Management, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Xiaojie Sun
- School of Health Care Management (Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy, National Health Commission), Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Center for Cancer Control and Policy Research, School of Health Care Management, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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