1
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Yabroff KR, Mittu K, Halpern MT. Cost-of-care discussions for individuals with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma: Findings from a large, population-based pilot study. Cancer 2024; 130:3364-3374. [PMID: 38869706 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35380] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Costs of cancer care can result in patient financial hardship; many professional organizations recommend provider discussions about treatment costs as part of high-quality care. In this pilot study, the authors examined patient-provider cost discussions documented in the medical records of individuals who were diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma-cancers with recently approved, high-cost treatment options. METHODS Individuals who were newly diagnosed in 2017-2018 with stage III/IV NSCLC (n = 1767) and in 2018 with stage III/IV melanoma (n = 689) from 12 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results regions were randomly selected for the National Cancer Institute Patterns of Care Study. Documentation of cost discussions was abstracted from the medical record. The authors examined patient, treatment, and hospital factors associated with cost discussions in multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Cost discussions were documented in the medical records of 20.3% of patients with NSCLC and in 24.0% of those with melanoma. In adjusted analyses, privately insured (vs. publicly insured) patients were less likely to have documented cost discussions (odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-0.80). Patients who did not receive systemic therapy or did not receive any cancer-directed treatment were less likely to have documented cost discussions than those who did receive systemic therapy (OR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.19-0.81] and 0.46 [95% CI, 0.30-0.70], respectively), as were patients who were treated at hospitals without residency programs (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.98). CONCLUSIONS Cost discussions were infrequently documented in the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with advanced NSCLC and melanoma, which may hinder identifying patient needs and tracking outcomes of associated referrals. Efforts to increase cost-of-care discussions and relevant referrals, as well as their documentation, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karen Mittu
- Information Management Services, Calverton, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael T Halpern
- Healthcare Delivery Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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2
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Forman R, Long JB, Westvold SJ, Agnish K, Mcmanus HD, Leapman MS, Hurwitz ME, Spees LP, Wheeler SB, Gross CP, Dinan MA. Cost trends of metastatic renal cell carcinoma therapy: the impact of oral anticancer agents and immunotherapy. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2024; 8:pkae067. [PMID: 39133171 PMCID: PMC11376369 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkae067] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy (IO) and oral anticancer agents (OAA) have improved outcomes for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), but there is a need to understand real-world costs from the perspective of payers and patients. METHODS We used retrospective fee-for-service Medicare 100% claims data to study patients diagnosed with mRCC in 2015-2019. We identified initial treatment type and costs (the year after diagnosis) and analyzed differences in monthly and 12-month costs over time and between OAA, IO, and combination groups and the association between Out-Of-Pocket (OOP) costs and adherence. RESULTS We identified 15 407 patients with mRCC (61% male; 85% non-Hispanic White). A total of 6196 received OAA, IO, or combination OAA/IO as initial treatment. OAA use decreased (from 31% to 11%) with a simultaneous rise in patients receiving IO (3% to 26%) or combination IO/OAA therapy (1% to 11%). Medicare payments for all patients with mRCC increased by 41%, from $60 320 (95% confidence interval = 58 260 to 62 380) in 2015 to $85 130 (95% confidence interval = 82 630 to 87 630) in 2019. Payments increased in patients who received OAA, IO, or combination OAA/IO but were stable in those with other/no treatment. Initial higher OOP responsibility ($200-$1000) was associated with 13% decrease in percent days covered in patients receiving OAA in the first 90 days of treatment, compared with those whose OOP responsibility was less than $200. CONCLUSION From 2015 to 2019, costs for Medicare patients with mRCC rose substantially due to more patients receiving IO or IO/OAA combined therapy and increases in costs among those receiving those therapies. Increased OOP costs was associated with decreased adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Forman
- Section of Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine Department, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jessica B Long
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah J Westvold
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Hannah D Mcmanus
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael S Leapman
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Urology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael E Hurwitz
- Section of Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine Department, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - 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, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - 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, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cary P Gross
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michaela A Dinan
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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3
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Shih YCT, Yabroff KR, Bradley C. The utility of value frameworks in cost communications: making them real for patients. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:1411-1413. [PMID: 39003520 PMCID: PMC11378310 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djae156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- University of California Los Angeles Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Department of Surveillance and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cathy Bradley
- University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
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4
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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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5
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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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6
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Kobritz M, Nofi CP, Egunsola A, Zimmern AS. Financial toxicity in early-onset colorectal cancer: A National Health Interview Survey study. Surgery 2024; 175:1278-1284. [PMID: 38378347 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.01.005] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financial toxicity is increasingly recognized as a devastating outcome of cancer treatment but is poorly characterized in patients with early-onset colorectal cancer. Young patients are particularly vulnerable to financial toxicity as they are frequently underinsured and may suffer significant disruptions to professional and financial growth. We hypothesized that financial toxicity associated with colorectal cancer treatment confers long-lasting effects on patients' well-being and disproportionately impacts patients diagnosed at <50 years of age. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the National Health Interview Survey from years 2019 to 2021 was performed. Patients with a history of colorectal cancer were included and stratified by age at diagnosis. Randomly selected age-matched controls with no cancer history were used for comparison. The primary endpoint was financial toxicity, as assessed by a composite score formulated from 12 National Health Interview Survey items. The secondary endpoint was food security assessed by the United States Department of Agriculture's food security scale, embedded in the National Health Interview Survey. RESULTS When compared to age-matched controls, patients with colorectal cancer experienced significant financial toxicity, as reflected by a composite financial toxicity score (P = .027). Within patients with colorectal cancer, female sex (adjusted odds ratio = 1.46, P = .046) and early-onset disease (adjusted odds ratio = 2.11, P = .002) were found to significantly increase the risk of financial toxicity. Patients with early-onset colorectal cancer more frequently experienced food insecurity (P = .011), delayed necessary medical care (P = .053), mental health counseling (P = .043), and filling prescriptions (P = .007) due to cost when compared to patients with average-onset colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION Colorectal cancer is associated with significant long-term financial toxicity, which disproportionately impacts patients diagnosed at <50 years of age. Targeted interventions are warranted to reduce financial toxicity for patients with high-risk colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Kobritz
- Department of Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY; Department of Surgery, Northwell-North Shore/Long Island Jewish, Manhasset, NY.
| | - Colleen P Nofi
- Department of Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY; Department of Surgery, Northwell-North Shore/Long Island Jewish, Manhasset, NY
| | - Adekemi Egunsola
- Department of Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY; Department of Surgery, Northwell-North Shore/Long Island Jewish, Manhasset, NY
| | - Andrea S Zimmern
- Department of Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY; Department of Surgery, Northwell-North Shore/Long Island Jewish, Manhasset, NY
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7
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Islami F, Baeker Bispo J, Lee H, Wiese D, Yabroff KR, Bandi P, Sloan K, Patel AV, Daniels EC, Kamal AH, Guerra CE, Dahut WL, Jemal A. American Cancer Society's report on the status of cancer disparities in the United States, 2023. CA Cancer J Clin 2024; 74:136-166. [PMID: 37962495 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2021, the American Cancer Society published its first biennial report on the status of cancer disparities in the United States. In this second report, the authors provide updated data on racial, ethnic, socioeconomic (educational attainment as a marker), and geographic (metropolitan status) disparities in cancer occurrence and outcomes and contributing factors to these disparities in the country. The authors also review programs that have reduced cancer disparities and provide policy recommendations to further mitigate these inequalities. There are substantial variations in risk factors, stage at diagnosis, receipt of care, survival, and mortality for many cancers by race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and metropolitan status. During 2016 through 2020, Black and American Indian/Alaska Native people continued to bear a disproportionately higher burden of cancer deaths, both overall and from major cancers. By educational attainment, overall cancer mortality rates were about 1.6-2.8 times higher in individuals with ≤12 years of education than in those with ≥16 years of education among Black and White men and women. These disparities by educational attainment within each race were considerably larger than the Black-White disparities in overall cancer mortality within each educational attainment, ranging from 1.03 to 1.5 times higher among Black people, suggesting a major role for socioeconomic status disparities in racial disparities in cancer mortality given the disproportionally larger representation of Black people in lower socioeconomic status groups. Of note, the largest Black-White disparities in overall cancer mortality were among those who had ≥16 years of education. By area of residence, mortality from all cancer and from leading causes of cancer death were substantially higher in nonmetropolitan areas than in large metropolitan areas. For colorectal cancer, for example, mortality rates in nonmetropolitan areas versus large metropolitan areas were 23% higher among males and 21% higher among females. By age group, the racial and geographic disparities in cancer mortality were greater among individuals younger than 65 years than among those aged 65 years and older. Many of the observed racial, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities in cancer mortality align with disparities in exposure to risk factors and access to cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, which are largely rooted in fundamental inequities in social determinants of health. Equitable policies at all levels of government, broad interdisciplinary engagement to address these inequities, and equitable implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as increasing health insurance coverage, are needed to reduce cancer disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Priti Bandi
- American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Carmen E Guerra
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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8
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Nishikawa Y, Agatsuma N, Utsumi T, Funakoshi T, Mori Y, Nakamura Y, Hoshino N, Horimatsu T, Saito T, Kashihara S, Fukuyoshi J, Goto R, Toi M, Takahashi Y, Nakayama T. Medical care costs according to the stage and subtype of breast cancer in a municipal setting: a case study of Hachioji City, Japan. Breast Cancer 2024; 31:105-115. [PMID: 37982959 PMCID: PMC10764488 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01517-7] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is important to assess whether the early detection of breast cancer affects medical care costs. However, research remains scant on the actual medical care costs associated with breast cancer treatment in Japan. This study aimed to determine the medical care costs of breast cancer treatment based on its stage using national health insurance claims data. METHODS This was an observational study including patients with breast cancer who had undergone breast cancer treatment, as defined by the disease name and related treatment codes. Between August 2013 and June 2016, patients who underwent surgical treatment without axillary lymph node dissection and other radical treatment were classified as the curable group, while those who underwent palliative treatment were classified as the non-curable group. Patients were further stratified by subtype. The total and treatment-specific medical care costs for the five years were calculated using the national health insurance claims data of Hachioji City between August 2013 and May 2021. RESULTS The mean total medical care costs for the curable and non-curable groups for the 5 years were JPY 3958 thousand (standard deviation 2664) and JPY 8289 thousand (8482), respectively. The mean medical care costs for specific breast cancer treatment for the curable and non-curable groups were JPY 1142 (728) thousand and JPY 3651 thousand (5337), respectively. Further, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 + , Hormone + patients had the highest mean cost over the 5 years. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the early detection of breast cancer may reduce medical care costs at the patient level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Nishikawa
- Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshidakonoecho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Nobukazu Agatsuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Utsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taro Funakoshi
- Department of Therapeutic Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukiko Mori
- Department of Therapeutic Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakamura
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Hoshino
- Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science (iACT), Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Horimatsu
- Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science (iACT), Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Rei Goto
- Graduate School of Business Administration, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masakazu Toi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimitsu Takahashi
- Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshidakonoecho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takeo Nakayama
- Department of Health Informatics, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Yoshidakonoecho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
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9
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Wu Y, Liu X, Maculaitis MC, Li B, Berk A, Massa A, Weiss MC, McRoy L. Financial Toxicity among Patients with Breast Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:62. [PMID: 38201491 PMCID: PMC10778054 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010062] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study reported the prevalence of financial distress (financial toxicity (FT)) and COVID-19-related economic stress in patients with breast cancer (BC). Patients with BC were recruited from the Ciitizen platform, Breastcancer.org, and patient advocacy groups between 30 March and 6 July 2021. FT was assessed with the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) instrument. COVID-19-related economic stress was assessed with the COVID-19 Stress Scale. Among the 669 patients, the mean age was 51.6 years; 9.4% reported a COVID-19 diagnosis. The prevalence rates of mild and moderate/severe FT were 36.8% and 22.4%, respectively. FT was more prevalent in patients with metastatic versus early BC (p < 0.001). The factors associated with FT included income ≤ USD 49,999 (adjusted odds ratio (adj OR) 6.271, p < 0.0001) and USD 50,000-USD 149,999 (adj OR 2.722, p < 0.0001); aged <50 years (adj OR 3.061, p = 0.0012) and 50-64 years (adj OR 3.444, p = 0.0002); living alone (adj OR 1.603, p = 0.0476); and greater depression severity (adj OR 1.155, p < 0.0001). Black patients (adj OR 2.165, p = 0.0133), patients with income ≤ USD 49,999 (adj OR 1.921, p = 0.0432), or greater depression severity (adj OR 1.090, p < 0.0001) were more likely to experience COVID-19-related economic stress. FT was common in patients with BC, particularly metastatic disease, during COVID-19. Multiple factors, especially lower income and greater depression severity were associated with financial difficulties during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 07103, USA;
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Xianchen Liu
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
| | | | - Benjamin Li
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Alexandra Berk
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Angelina Massa
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | | | - Lynn McRoy
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
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10
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Nathan PC, Yabroff KR. The long economic shadow of a cancer diagnosis during adolescence or young adulthood. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:1237-1239. [PMID: 37459143 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Nathan
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Surveillance and Health Services Research Program, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA
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11
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Horný M, Yabroff KR, Filson CP, Zheng Z, Ekwueme DU, Richards TB, Howard DH. The cost burden of metastatic prostate cancer in the US populations covered by employer-sponsored health insurance. Cancer 2023; 129:3252-3262. [PMID: 37329254 PMCID: PMC10527879 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advancements in the clinical management of metastatic prostate cancer include several costly therapies and diagnostic tests. The objective of this study was to provide updated information on the cost to payers attributable to metastatic prostate cancer among men aged 18 to 64 years with employer-sponsored health plans and men aged 18 years or older covered by employer-sponsored Medicare supplement insurance. METHODS By using Merative MarketScan commercial and Medicare supplemental data for 2009-2019, the authors calculated differences in spending between men with metastatic prostate cancer and their matched, prostate cancer-free controls, adjusting for age, enrollment length, comorbidities, and inflation to 2019 US dollars. RESULTS The authors compared 9011 patients who had metastatic prostate cancer and were covered by commercial insurance plans with a group of 44,934 matched controls and also compared 17,899 patients who had metastatic prostate cancer and were covered by employer-sponsored Medicare supplement plans with a group of 87,884 matched controls. The mean age of patients with metastatic prostate cancer was 58.5 years in the commercial samples and 77.8 years in the Medicare supplement samples. Annual spending attributable to metastatic prostate cancer was $55,949 per person-year (95% confidence interval [CI], $54,074-$57,825 per person-year) in the commercial population and $43,682 per person-year (95% CI, $42,022-$45,342 per person-year) in the population covered by Medicare supplement plans, both in 2019 US dollars. CONCLUSIONS The cost burden attributable to metastatic prostate cancer exceeds $55,000 per person-year among men with employer-sponsored health insurance and $43,000 among those covered by employer-sponsored Medicare supplement plans. These estimates can improve the precision of value assessments of clinical and policy approaches to the prevention, screening, and treatment of prostate cancer in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Horný
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - K. Robin Yabroff
- Health Services Research, and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christopher P. Filson
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Urology Service Line, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Health Services Research, and Health Equity Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Donatus U. Ekwueme
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - David H. Howard
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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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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Yen TWF, Pan IW, Shih YCT. Impact of state telehealth policies on telehealth use among patients with newly diagnosed cancer. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2023; 7:pkad072. [PMID: 37713464 PMCID: PMC10597585 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth restrictions were relaxed under the COVID-19 public health emergency. We examined telehealth use before and during the pandemic among patients with newly diagnosed cancers and the association between state policies and telehealth use. METHODS The study cohort was constructed from Optum's deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart and included patients with lymphoma, female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer diagnosed between March 1, 2019, and March 31, 2021. We performed an interrupted time series analysis to examine the trend of cancer-related telehealth use within 1 month of diagnosis relative to the timing of the COVID-19 public health emergency and multivariable logistic regressions to examine factors-specifically, state parity laws and regulations on cross-state practice-associated with telehealth. RESULTS Of 110 461 patients, the rate of telehealth use peaked at 33.4% in April 2020, then decreased to 12% to 15% between September 2020 and March 2021. Among the 53 982 patients diagnosed since March 2020, telehealth use was statistically significantly lower for privately insured patients residing in states with coverage-only parity or no or unspecified parity than those in states with coverage and payment parity (adjusted rate = 20.2%, 19.1%, and 23.3%, respectively). The adjusted rate was lower for patients in states with cross-state telehealth policy limitations than for those in states without restrictions (14.9% vs 17.8%). CONCLUSIONS Telehealth use by patients diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic was higher among those living in states with more generous parity and less restrictive rules for cross-state practice. Policy makers contemplating whether to permanently relax certain telehealth policies must consider the impact on vulnerable patient populations who can benefit from telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina W F Yen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - I-Wen Pan
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Program in Cancer Health Economics Research, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Miller MC, Bayakly R, Schreurs BG, Flicker KJ, Adams SA, Ingram LA, Hardin JW, Lohman M, Ford ME, McCollum Q, McCrary-Quarles A, Ariyo O, Levkoff SE, Friedman DB. Highlighting the value of Alzheimer's disease-focused registries: lessons learned from cancer surveillance. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1179275. [PMID: 37214775 PMCID: PMC10196140 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1179275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Like cancer, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) comprise a global health burden that can benefit tremendously from the power of disease registry data. With an aging population, the incidence, treatment, and mortality from ADRD is increasing and changing rapidly. In the same way that current cancer registries work toward prevention and control, so do ADRD registries. ADRD registries maintain a comprehensive and accurate registry of ADRD within their state, provide disease prevalence estimates to enable better planning for social and medical services, identify differences in disease prevalence among demographic groups, help those who care for individuals with ADRD, and foster research into risk factors for ADRD. ADRD registries offer a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact, scientifically rigorous research efficiently. As research on and development of ADRD treatments continue to be a priority, such registries can be powerful tools for conducting observational studies of the disease. This perspectives piece examines how established cancer registries can inform ADRD registries' impact on public health surveillance, research, and intervention, and inform and engage policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C. Miller
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Office of the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Rana Bayakly
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Bernard G. Schreurs
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Kimberly J. Flicker
- Office of the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Swann Arp Adams
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Lucy A. Ingram
- Office of the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - James W. Hardin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Matthew Lohman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Office of the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Marvella E. Ford
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Hollings Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Quentin McCollum
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Audrey McCrary-Quarles
- Department of Health Sciences, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC, United States
| | - Oluwole Ariyo
- Department of Biology, Allen University, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sue E. Levkoff
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Daniela B. Friedman
- Office of the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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Ogland-Hand C, Ciesielski TH, Daunov K, Bean MK, Nock NL. Food Insecurity and Nutritional Challenges in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors in the U.S.A.: A Narrative Review and Call to Action. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071731. [PMID: 37049571 PMCID: PMC10096609 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in cancer treatments over the past several decades have led to improved cancer survival in adolescents and young adults (AYAs, ages 15–39 years). However, AYA cancer survivors are at an increased risk for “late effects”, including cardiovascular, pulmonary and bone diseases as well as fatigue, infertility and secondary cancers. The treatments for cancer may also alter taste, lead to nutritional deficiencies and increase financial burdens that, when taken together, may increase the risk of food and nutrition security in AYA cancer survivors. Furthermore, although AYAs are often merged together in cancer survivorship studies, adolescents and young adults have distinct developmental, psychosocial and pathophysiological differences that may modify their risk of nutritional challenges. In this narrative review and “Call to Action”, rationale is provided for why there is a need to better understand nutritional challenges and food insecurity in AYA cancer survivors as a special population. Then, recommendations for next steps to advance knowledge and policy in this field are provided. In particular, integrating screening for food and nutrition insecurity and enhancing awareness of existing resources (e.g., the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP) might help AYA cancer survivors combat nutritional deficiencies and reduce late effects while improving their overall survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie Ogland-Hand
- Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Timothy H. Ciesielski
- Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Katherine Daunov
- Oncofertility and Young Adult Oncology, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Melanie K. Bean
- Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Nora L. Nock
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Population and Cancer Prevention Program, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Tak HJ, Shih YCT. Vertical integration in oncology: what does it mean for patients with cancer? J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:239-241. [PMID: 36583541 PMCID: PMC9996201 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jung Tak
- Department of Health Services Research and Administration, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ya-Chen Tina Shih
- Section of Cancer Economics and Policy, Department of Health Services Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Parsons SK, Keegan THM, Kirchhoff AC, Parsons HM, Yabroff KR, Davies SJ. Cost of Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States: Results of the 2021 Report by Deloitte Access Economics, Commissioned by Teen Cancer America. J Clin Oncol 2023:JCO2201985. [PMID: 36827624 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this report, commissioned by Teen Cancer America and performed by Deloitte Access Economics in 2021, was to estimate the total costs incurred by adolescent and young adults (AYAs) after cancer diagnosis in the United States (US) over their life course. METHODS The incidence of cancer in 2019 among AYAs age 15-39 years was estimated from the US Cancer Statistics Public Use Database, and relative survival was projected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Cost domains included health system, productivity, and well-being costs. Components were estimated with published literature and pooled data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 2008 to 2012 and inflated to 2019 dollars. RESULTS The economic and human costs of cancer in AYAs are substantial-$23.5 billion overall, corresponding to $259,324 per person over the lifetime. The majority of costs are borne by AYA cancer survivors themselves in the form of lost productivity, loss of well-being, and loss of life. CONCLUSION These findings underscore the need to address the burden of cancer in AYAs through targeted programs for AYAs, such as financial navigation and health insurance literacy interventions, as well as local and national policy initiatives to address access to and enhanced coverage for clinical trials participation, fertility services, and survivorship care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Parsons
- Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Clinical Care Research, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.,Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training and Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Anne C Kirchhoff
- Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Helen M Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Scientific Vice President, Health Services Research, American Cancer Society, Inc
| | - Simon J Davies
- Executive Director, Teen Cancer America, Los Angeles, CA
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