The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) Pilot Study: A Focus on Outcomes after Cancer in a Racially Diverse Patient Population

Caregiver costs and financial burden in caregivers of African American cancer survivors

PURPOSE

People with cancer commonly rely on loved ones as informal caregivers during and after treatment. Costs related to caregiving and their association with caregiver financial burden are not well understood.

METHODS

Results include data from 964 caregivers of African American cancer survivors in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort. Caregiving costs include those related to medications, logistics (e.g., transportation), and medical bills. Financial burden measures included caregiver financial resources, strain, and difficulty paying caregiving costs. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of associations between costs and high financial burden were calculated using modified Poisson models controlling for caregiver characteristics.

RESULTS

Caregivers included spouses (36%), non-married partners (8%), family members (48%), and friends (9%). Nearly two-thirds (64%) of caregivers reported costs related to caregiving. Logistical costs were the most common (58%), followed by medication costs (35%) and medical bills (17%). High financial hardship was reported by 38% of caregivers. Prevalence of high financial hardship was 52% (95% CI: 24%, 86%) higher among caregivers who reported any versus no caregiver costs. Associations between caregiver costs and high financial burden were evident for costs related to medications (PR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.58), logistics (PR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.92), and medical bills (PR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Most caregivers experienced costs related to caregiving, and these costs were associated with higher prevalence of high caregiver financial burden.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Informal caregivers experience financial hardship related to cancer along with cancer survivors.

Sleep health and quality of life in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors cohort

PURPOSE

Sleep disturbances represent a modifiable target to improve quality of life and longer-term outcomes in cancer survivors. However, the association between sleep health and overall quality of life in African American cancer survivors has been poorly assessed, a population at increased risk for morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

Seven hundred and eighteen Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort participants completed a supplemental sleep survey at the time of enrollment, which included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Linear and logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between sleep and mental health, while block regression models were used to estimate the contribution of clustered factors to Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL).

RESULTS

Nearly 60% of the cohort reported symptoms indicative of poor sleep quality on the PSQI, 15% reported excessive daytime sleepiness on the ESS, and 12% reported moderate to severe insomnia on the ISI. Survivors with elevated ISI scores reported FACT-G scores that were 17 points lower than those without symptoms of insomnia (95% CI: - 13.1, - 21.2). Poor sleep health accounted for the largest proportion of variability in FACT-G scores (R2 = 0.27) and change in R2 value (0.18) when compared to comorbidities, health behaviors, cancer-related factors, and demographics.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall sleep health was significantly associated with poorer HRQOL and variability in FACT-G scores. Additional studies investigating a causal relationship between sleep and HRQOL are needed to determine whether sleep quality could affect disparities in cancer outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Addressing sleep quality in cancer survivors may improve long-term health and HRQOL.

Housing instability and psychological distress in African American cancer survivors: findings from the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors study

PURPOSE

As health care systems seek to screen for and address housing instability in patient populations, robust evidence linking unstable housing to patient-reported outcomes is needed. Housing instability may increase psychological distress in cancer survivors, potentially more so among African American cancer survivors who are also likely to experience disproportionate burden of housing instability. The purpose of this analysis was to estimate associations between housing instability and psychological distress in African Americans diagnosed with cancer.

METHODS

We included survey responses from 2875 African American cancer survivors in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) study. We examined how housing instability at enrollment, using an item adapted from the Health Leads Screening Toolkit, related to psychological distress at enrollment, using Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS) 4-item anxiety and depression short forms. Linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic factors were used to estimate associations overall and stratified by stage at diagnosis.

RESULTS

Approximately 12% of participants reported being unstably housed. Housing instability was associated with significant differences in PROMIS scores for both anxiety (difference: 6.79; 95% CI: 5.57-8.01) and depression (difference: 6.16; 95% CI: 4.99-7.34). We did not find meaningful differences stratifying by disease stage.

CONCLUSION

Housing instability was experienced by over a tenth of this cohort of African American cancer survivors and was related to statistically and clinically meaningful differences in psychological distress even following adjustment for sociodemographics.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

These findings provide evidence supporting screening of housing instability in cancer survivors, especially those from medically underserved populations.

The impact of preexisting comorbidities on receipt of cancer therapy among women with Stage I-III breast cancer in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors cohort

PURPOSE

Pre-existing comorbidities play an important role in choice of cancer treatment. We retrospectively evaluated the relationship between pre-existing comorbidities and receipt of local and systemic therapy in a cohort of Black women with Stage I-III breast cancer.

METHODS

The study population for analysis included 1169 women with Stage I-III disease enrolled in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort. Information on comorbidities, socio-demographic, and clinical variables were obtained from self-reported questionnaires and the cancer registry. Comorbidities were analyzed individually, and comorbidity burden was categorized as low (0-1), moderate (2-3) or high (≥4). We used logistic regression analysis to evaluate factors associated with receipt of local treatment (surgery ± radiation; N = 1156), hormonal (N = 848), and chemotherapy (N = 680). Adjusted models included variables selected a priori that were significant predictors in univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Receipt of treatment was categorized into local (82.6%), hormonal (73.7%), and/or chemotherapy (79.9%). Prior history of arthritis and depression were both associated with a lower likelihood to receive local treatment, [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66, 0.47-0.93, and 0.53, 0.36-0.78], respectively. Obesity was associated with higher likelihood of receiving hormonal therapy (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.26), and heart failure a lower likelihood (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.90). Older age (Ptrend  <0.01) and increasing co-morbidity burden (Ptrend  = 0.02) were associated with lower likelihood of receiving chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

History of prior co-morbidities has a potentially detrimental influence on receipt of recommended cancer-directed treatment among women with Stage I-III breast cancer.

Smoking Behaviors Among Black and Hispanic Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. The risk of smoking poses an even greater threat for racial/ethnic minorities, particularly Black and Hispanic cancer patients who face a range of existing disparities in healthcare. Despite these risks for poor health outcomes among this population, little is known about the smoking behaviors of Black and Hispanic cancer patients. The purpose of this review was to understand differences in smoking prevalence, intensity, and cessation between Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White cancer patients and survivors. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach as our framework, we conducted a systematic review of the literature. Our review discusses the methods, population, and implications of 37 included articles. Conclusions reflect the need to establish intentional and systematic measurement of smoking behaviors to best understand the risks of smoking among Black and Hispanic cancer patients.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in the detroit research on cancer survivors (ROCS) cohort

PURPOSE

Improved life expectancy has increased the likelihood for long-term complications from chemotherapy among cancer survivors. One burdensome complication is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). We evaluated rates of CIPN outcomes in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivorship (ROCS) cohort.

METHODS

The population included 1,034 African American (AA) survivors who received chemotherapy for breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer. CIPN prevalence was based on initial occurrence of worsening of self-reported pain, numbness or tingling after chemotherapy. Current CIPN included symptoms still present at the time of the survey, and persistent CIPN symptoms were present 12 or more months post-chemotherapy. CIPN severity was ranked as mild, moderate or severe. Logistic regression was utilized to evaluate sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the various categories of CIPN.

RESULTS

CIPN prevalence was 68%, with 53% current and 52% persistent. The symptom severity distribution based on prevalent CIPN included 32.2% mild, 30.8% moderate, and 36.9% severe. Factors associated with prevalent CIPN (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) included primary cancer site (breast: 3.88, 2.02-7.46); and (colorectal: 5.37, 2.69-10.73), lower risk for older age at diagnosis (0.66, 0.53-0.83) and divorced/separated marital status (2.13, 1.42-3.21). Current CIPN was in addition, associated with more advanced stage disease trend (1.34, 1.08-1.66) and greater number of co-morbid medical conditions trend (1.23, 1.09-1.40), as was persistent CIPN. Severity of prevalent CIPN was associated with history of arthritis (1.55, 1.06-2.26) and severity of persistent CIPN with higher BMI (1.58, 1.07-2.35).

CONCLUSIONS

CIPN is a common and persistent complication in AA cancer survivors. Further research is needed to improve our understanding of CIPN predictors in all groups of cancer survivors.

Black and hispanic women have less support during cancer evaluation and treatment: results from a prospective patient reported outcomes program in gynecologic malignancy

OBJECTIVE

Race remains a significant predictor of poor outcomes in women with gynecologic cancer and minority patients consistently report worse quality of life during cancer treatment. Disparities between patients in strength of social and emotional supports may contribute to these outcomes. This study's objective was to describe the racial differences in patient reported outcomes of women being evaluated or treated for a gynecologic malignancy at a large tertiary cancer hospital.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, all patients presenting for care at a tertiary care gynecologic oncology clinic between January 2018 and September 2019 were evaluated for inclusion. All patients were administered validated patient reported outcome measure questionnaires at serial visits. Demographic data was gathered including self-reported race. Patients were characterized as White, Black, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, or Other. Patient reported outcomes were compared between respondents of different races using linear and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Between January 2018 to September 2019, 2022 patients with a known race completed questionnaires. Of these patients, 86.7% were White, 4.3% Black, and 4.9% Hispanic/Latino and 58.7% had a known cancer diagnosis. Non-White patients were significantly less likely to complete questionnaires (p<0.001). Non-White patients reported significantly lower levels of emotional support on all questions (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) emotional support: Q1 p<0.001, Q2 p<0.001, Q3 p=0.013, Q4 p=0.002), and lower overall emotional (p=0.005) and instrumental (p=0.005) support scores when compared with White patients. Hispanic/Latino patients reported the lowest levels of emotional and instrumental support and more cognitive (p=0.043) and financial (p=0.040) difficulties associated with treatment. Black women reported having less support with chores while sick (p=0.014) and being less likely to have someone to talk to (p=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences exist in patient reported outcomes between women of different racial backgrounds. Hispanic/Latino and Black women have less support during gynecologic cancer evaluation and treatment as compared with White women.

Financial Hardship by Age at Diagnosis Including in Young Adulthood among African American Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND

Financial hardship is most common among cancer survivors with the fewest financial resources at diagnosis; however, little is known about the financial outcomes of young adult (YA) survivors (ages 20-39 at diagnosis), despite their having fewer financial reserves than older adults.

METHODS

We utilized data from 3,888 participants in the population-based Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors cohort. Participants self-reported several forms of material and behavioral financial hardship (MFH and BFH, respectively). Psychological financial hardship (PFH) was measured using the Comprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) score. Modified Poisson models estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for financial hardship by age at diagnosis controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and cancer-related factors.

RESULTS

MFH prevalence was inversely associated with age such that 72% of YA survivors reported MFH, 62% ages 40 to 54, 49% ages 55 to 64, and 33% ages 65 to 79 (PRadjusted YA vs. 65+: 1.75; 95% CI, 1.49-2.04; Ptrend < 0.001). BFH was also more common among YA survivors (26%) than those ages 65 to 79 (20%; PRadjusted: 1.50; 95% CI, 1.08-2.08; Ptrend = 0.019). Age was positively associated with financial wellbeing. COST scores ranged from 20.7 (95% CI, 19.0-22.4) among YA survivors to 27.2 (95% CI, 26.1-28.2) among adults 65 to 79 years old (Ptrend < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this population of African American cancer survivors, MFH and BFH were more common, and PFH was more severe, in YA survivors compared with those diagnosed as older adults.

IMPACT

Young adulthood at diagnosis should be considered a risk factor for cancer-related financial hardship and addressed in work designed to reduce the adverse financial impacts of cancer.

Equity in Genomic Medicine

Since the completion of the Human Genome Project, considerable progress has been made in translating knowledge about the genetic basis of disease risk and treatment response into clinical services and public health interventions that have greater precision. It is anticipated that more precision approaches to early detection, prevention, and treatment will be developed and will enhance equity in healthcare and outcomes among disparity populations. Reduced access to genomic medicine research, clinical services, and public health interventions has the potential to exacerbate disparities in genomic medicine. The purpose of this article is to describe these challenges to equity in genomic medicine and identify opportunities and future directions for addressing these issues. Efforts are needed to enhance access to genomic medicine research, clinical services, and public health interventions, and additional research that examines the clinical utility of precision medicine among disparity populations should be prioritized to ensure equity in genomic medicine. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Volume 23 is October 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

A Review of Research on Disparities in the Care of Black and White Patients With Cancer in Detroit

Racial disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes are well-documented in the US, with Black people having higher incidence rates and worse outcomes than White people. In this review, we present a summary of almost 30 years of research conducted by investigators at the Karmanos Cancer Institute's (KCI's) Population Studies and Disparities Research (PSDR) Program focusing on Black-White disparities in cancer incidence, care, and outcomes. The studies in the review focus on individuals diagnosed with cancer from the Detroit Metropolitan area, but also includes individuals included in national databases. Using an organizational framework of three generations of studies on racial disparities, this review describes racial disparities by primary cancer site, disparities associated with the presence or absence of comorbid medical conditions, disparities in treatment, and disparities in physician-patient communication, all of which contribute to poorer outcomes for Black cancer patients. While socio-demographic and clinical differences account for some of the noted disparities, further work is needed to unravel the influence of systemic effects of racism against Black people, which is argued to be the major contributor to disparate outcomes between Black and White patients with cancer. This review highlights evidence-based strategies that have the potential to help mitigate disparities, improve care for vulnerable populations, and build an equitable healthcare system. Lessons learned can also inform a more equitable response to other health conditions and crises.

Social needs and health-related quality of life among African American cancer survivors: Results from the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors study

BACKGROUND

Social needs may affect cancer survivors' health-related quality of life (HRQOL) above and beyond sociodemographic and cancer-related factors. The purpose of this study was to estimate associations between social needs and HRQOL.

METHODS

Results included data from 1754 participants in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors cohort, a population-based study of African American survivors of breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer. Social needs included items related to food insecurity, utility shutoffs, housing instability, not getting health care because of cost or a lack of transportation, and perceptions of neighborhood safety. HRQOL was measured with the validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G). Linear regression models controlled for demographic, socioeconomic, and cancer-related factors.

RESULTS

More than one-third of the survivors (36.3%) reported social needs including 17.1% of survivors reported 2 or more. The prevalence of social needs ranged from 14.8% for food insecurity to 8.9% for utility shutoffs. FACT-G score differences associated with social needs were -12.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] to -15.2 to -9.3) for not getting care because of a lack of transportation, -11.3 (95% CI, -14.2 to -8.4) for housing instability, -10.1 (95% CI, -12.7 to -7.4) for food insecurity, -9.8 (95% CI, -12.7 to -6.9) for feeling unsafe in the neighborhood, -8.6 (95% CI, -11.7 to -5.4) for utility shutoffs, and -6.7 (95% CI, -9.2 to -4.1) for not getting care because of cost.

CONCLUSIONS

Social needs were common in this cohort of African American cancer survivors and were associated with clinically significant differences in HRQOL. Clinical oncology care and survivorship care planning may present opportunities to screen for and address social needs to mitigate their impact on survivors' HRQOL.

Work changes and individual, cancer-related, and work-related predictors of decreased work participation among African American cancer survivors

African American cancer survivors disproportionately experience financial difficulties after cancer. Decreased work participation (going from being employed full time to part time or from employed to not employed) can contribute to financial hardship after cancer but employment outcomes among African American cancer survivors have not been well described. This study estimates the prevalence of work changes and identifies factors associated with decreased work participation among African American cancer survivors. We analyzed data from 916 African American breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer survivors who participated in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort and were employed before their cancer diagnosis. Modified Poisson models estimated prevalence ratios of decreased work participation and work changes, including changes to hours, duties, or schedules, between diagnosis and ROCS enrollment controlling for sociodemographic and cancer‐related factors. Nearly half of employed survivors made changes to their schedules, duties, or hours worked due to cancer and 34.6% took at least one month off of work, including 18% who took at least one month of unpaid time off. More survivors employed full time (vs. part time) at diagnosis were on disability at ROCS enrollment (18.7% vs. 12.6%, P < 0.001), while fewer were unemployed (5.9% vs. 15.7%, P < 0.001). Nearly half (47.5%) of employed survivors decreased work participation. Taking paid time off was not associated with decreased work participation; however, taking unpaid time off and making work changes were associated with prevalence ratios of decreased work participation of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.62) and 1.37 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.75), respectively. Employment disruptions are common after a cancer diagnosis. Survivors who take unpaid time off and make other work changes may be particularly vulnerable to experiencing decreased work participation.

Heritable Susceptibility to Breast Cancer among African-American Women in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors Study

BACKGROUND

African-American women have high rates of breast cancer associated with hereditary features. However, no studies have reported the prevalence of inherited variation across all genes known to be breast cancer risk factors among African-American patients with breast cancer not selected for high-risk characteristics.

METHODS

We evaluated 182 African-American women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in metropolitan Detroit via targeted capture and multiplex sequencing of 13 well-established breast cancer risk genes and five suggested breast cancer risk genes.

RESULTS

We identified 24 pathogenic variants in 23 women [12.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 8.2%-18.4%] and five genes (BRCA2, BRCA1, ATM, RAD50, CDH1). BRCA1 and BRCA2 accounted for 58.3% of all pathogenic variants. An additional six pathogenic variants were found in suggested breast cancer risk genes (MSH6, MUTYH, NF1, BRIP1).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of germline pathogenic variants is relatively high among African-American patients with breast cancer unselected for high-risk characteristics across a broad spectrum of genes.

IMPACT

This study helps to define the genomic landscape of breast cancer susceptibility in African-American women who could benefit from enhanced surveillance and screening.

Continued smoking in African American cancer survivors: The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors Cohort

Tobacco cessation among those recently diagnosed with cancer is important to improve their prognosis, yet, many cancer survivors continue to smoke. The epidemiology of tobacco use differs by race and ethnicity, and limited cessation research has been conducted in African American (AA) populations. Here, we assess demographic and clinical variables associated with continued smoking in AAs after a cancer diagnosis. The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors study is a cohort comprised of AA cancer survivors with breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors data were utilized from survivors who completed their baseline survey within 18 months of cancer diagnosis (n = 1145); 18% (n = 356) reported smoking at the time of cancer diagnosis, and 57% of these (n = 203) continued to smoke after their diagnosis. Logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with continued smoking. Living with a smoker (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64, 4.70), higher cumulative years of smoking (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.05, for each year), and a prostate cancer diagnosis (OR = 7.35, 95% CI: 3.89, 13.89) were all associated with increased odds of continued smoking. Survivors with higher social well-being scores (measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, a quality of life assessment) were more likely to quit smoking after diagnosis (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.00). These findings highlight the continued need for personalized cessation strategies to be incorporated into treatment plans for cancer survivors.

Utilizing SEER Cancer Registries for Population-Based Cancer Survivor Epidemiologic Studies: A Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

While the primary role of central cancer registries in the United States is to provide vital information needed for cancer surveillance and control, these registries can also be leveraged for population-based epidemiologic studies of cancer survivors. This study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of using the NCI's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program registries to rapidly identify, recruit, and enroll individuals for survivor research studies and to assess their willingness to engage in a variety of research activities.

METHODS

In 2016 and 2017, six SEER registries recruited both recently diagnosed and longer-term survivors with early age-onset multiple myeloma or colorectal, breast, prostate, or ovarian cancer. Potential participants were asked to complete a survey, providing data on demographics, health, and their willingness to participate in various aspects of research studies.

RESULTS

Response rates across the registries ranged from 24.9% to 46.9%, with sample sizes of 115 to 239 enrolled by each registry over a 12- to 18-month period. Among the 992 total respondents, 90% answered that they would be willing to fill out a survey for a future research study, 91% reported that they would donate a biospecimen of some type, and approximately 82% reported that they would consent to have their medical records accessed for research.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the feasibility of leveraging SEER registries to recruit a geographically and racially diverse group of cancer survivors.

IMPACT

Central cancer registries are a source of high-quality data that can be utilized to conduct population-based cancer survivor studies.

Physical activity and quality of life in African American cancer survivors: The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors study

BACKGROUND

The benefit of regular exercise in improving cancer outcomes is well established. The American Cancer Society (ACS) released a recommendation that cancer survivors should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) per week; however, few report meeting this recommendation. This study examined the patterns and correlates of meeting ACS PA recommendations in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort of African American cancer survivors.

METHODS

Detroit ROCS participants completed baseline and yearly follow-up surveys to update their health and health behaviors, including PA. This study examined participation in PA by select characteristics and reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System instruments.

RESULTS

Among the first 1500 ROCS participants, 60% reported participating in regular PA, with 24% reporting ≥150 min/wk. Although there were no differences by sex, prostate cancer survivors were the most likely to report participating in regular PA, whereas lung cancer survivors were the least likely (P = .022). Survivors who reported participating in regular PA reported higher HRQOL (P < .001) and lower depression (P = .040).

CONCLUSIONS

Just 24% of African American cancer survivors reported meeting the ACS guidelines for PA at the baseline, but it was encouraging to see increases in activity over time. Because of the established benefits of regular exercise observed in this study and others, identifying and reducing barriers to regular PA among African American cancer survivors are critical for improving outcomes and minimizing disparities.

Race, financial hardship, and limiting care due to cost in a diverse cohort of cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Estimate prevalence of types of cancer-related financial hardship by race and test whether they are associated with limiting care due to cost.

METHODS

We used data from 994 participants (411 white, 583 African American) in a hospital-based cohort study of survivors diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer since January 1, 2013. Financial hardship included decreased income, borrowing money, cancer-related debt, and accessing assets to pay for cancer care. Limiting care included skipping doses of prescribed medication, refusing treatment, or not seeing a doctor when needed due to cost. Logistic regression models controlled for sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

More African American than white survivors reported financial hardship (50.3% vs. 41.0%, p = 0.005) and limiting care (20.0% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.019). More white than African American survivors reported utilizing assets (9.3% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.006), while more African American survivors reported cancer-related debt (30.5% vs. 18.5%, p < 0.001). Survivors who experienced financial hardship were 4.4 (95% CI: 2.9, 6.6) times as likely to limit care as those who did not. Borrowing money, cancer-related debt, and decreased income were each independently associated with limiting care, while accessing assets was not.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of some forms of financial hardship differed by race, and these were differentially associated with limiting care due to cost.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

The ability to use assets to pay for cancer care may protect survivors from limiting care due to cost. This has differential impacts on white and African American survivors.

Financial Hardship and Quality of Life among African American and White Cancer Survivors: The Role of Limiting Care Due to Cost

BACKGROUND

Financial hardship is common among cancer survivors and is associated with both limiting care due to cost and with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study estimates the association between limiting care due to cost and HRQOL in a diverse population of cancer survivors and tests whether limiting care mediates the association between financial hardship and HRQOL.

METHODS

We used data from 988 participants (579 African American, 409 white) in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) pilot, a hospital-based cohort of breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer survivors. We assessed associations between financial hardship, limiting care, and HRQOL [measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G)] using linear regression and mediation analysis controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and cancer-related variables.

RESULTS

FACT-G scores were 4.2 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.0-6.4] points lower among survivors who reported financial hardship compared with those who did not in adjusted models. Limiting care due to cost was associated with a -7.8 (95% CI, -5.1 to -10.5) point difference in FACT-G scores. Limiting care due to cost explained 40.5% (95% CI, 25.5%-92.7%) of the association between financial hardship and HRQOL overall, and 50.5% (95% CI, 29.1%-188.1%) of the association for African American survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Financial hardship and limiting care due to cost are both associated with lower HRQOL among diverse cancer survivors, and this association is partially explained by limiting care due to cost.

IMPACT

Actions to ensure patients with cancer can access appropriate care could lessen the impact of financial hardship on HRQOL.