JNCI Cancer Spectr. 2024 Aug 17:pkae071. doi: 10.1093/jncics/pkae071. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The long-term financial impact of cancer care has not been adequately addressed in young adults (YAs). As part of a remote intervention study, we describe medical financial distress and hardship of YA survivors of blood cancer at study entry.
METHODS: YAs were recruited from six United States hospitals. Via a REDCap™ link, YAs confirmed eligibility: currently 18-39, blood cancer diagnosis ≥3 years ago, off active treatment, and not on parent’s insurance. Following consent, the baseline assessment was sent. The primary outcome measure, the Personal Financial Wellness (PFW) Scale, measured financial distress (scored: 1-2 severe, 3-4 high, 5-6 average, 7-10 low-to-no). Medical financial hardship encompassed material hardship, psychological impact, and coping behaviors. Descriptive summary statistics and linear regression were used.
RESULTS: The 126 participants consisted of 54.5% minority racial/ethnic representation. Median time since diagnosis was 10 years (IQR, 6-16), with 56% diagnosed between the ages of 18-39. Overall mean PFW score was 5.1 (SD = 2.4), however 49% reported severe or high distress. In multivariable analysis, female sex, Hispanic ethnicity, and lower income were significantly associated with worse PFW scores. Among participants with severe financial distress (n = 26), 72% reported ≥2 household material hardships, had worse scores across all psychological domains, and altered survivorship care due to cost (68%).
DISCUSSION: Nearly half of long-term YA survivors reported severe or high levels of financial distress. YAs in severe or high distress also reported more medical financial hardship than other participants. This highlights the need for ongoing financial intervention in this vulnerable population.
CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT05620979.
PMID:39153000 | DOI:10.1093/jncics/pkae071
