The cost of cancer treatment may negatively impact the physical and mental health of survivors who are living in poverty, according to a recent study published by Coughlin et al in the Journal of Oncology Practice. The findings provide important information about the impact social determinants may have on the health of low-income cancer survivors, which highlights the urgent need to implement strategies to improve health policies.
Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Lovoria Williams, PhD, FNP-C, FAANP, FAAN, Associate Professor in the College of Nursing and Graduate Studies; the Sally Humphrey Endowed Research Professor in Cancer Health Equity; and Associate Director of Cancer Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, and colleagues examined the characteristics of cancer survivors living in poverty in the United States, including their physical and mental health.
Cancer survivors living in poverty were twice as likely to report having worse health and a greater number of days when their physical and mental health was poor. In addition, cancer survivors living in poverty were less likely to have health insurance coverage and more likely not to see a doctor because of cost. Moreover, the findings may indicate a disparate financial impact among racial and ethnic minorities and younger survivors, further exacerbating cancer health inequities.
“To improve the cancer survivorship experience and caregiver distress, proactive approaches to mitigate financial toxicity are imperative,” Dr. Williams said. “Our findings have important policy implications and provide data that support the role of financial navigators as integral members of comprehensive cancer care teams.”
Financial toxicity describes cancer-related financial hardship: the impact of out-of-pocket expenses and emotional distress caused by the cost of cancer care and treatment. This financial distress may deter patients with cancer from seeking follow-up care.
“This is especially true for racial and ethnic minorities and low-income individuals. Women, younger cancer survivors, and those who are uninsured are also more likely to experience financial toxicity,” the study authors reported.
Interventions for reducing financial hardship among cancer survivors include cost transparency and financial navigators in health-care settings, as well as policy interventions to reform employment protection and health insurance programs.
Disclosure: For full disclosures of the study authors, visit ascopubs.org.
