Cancer survivors' experiences with insurance, finances, and employment: results from a multisite study

Age-related differences in employment, insurance, and financial hardship among colorectal cancer patients: a report from the ColoCare Study

PURPOSE

Employment and financial hardships are common issues for working-age colorectal cancer patients. We surveyed colorectal cancer survivors to investigate employment, insurance, and financial outcomes by age at diagnosis.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey of six ColoCare Study sites regarding employment, insurance, and financial hardship outcomes. Eligible participants were 1 to 5 years from colorectal cancer diagnosis. Diagnosis age (18-49, 50-64, 65+ years) with outcomes of interest were compared using chi-square and t-tests. Multivariable logistic and Poisson regressions were fit to examine association of demographic factors with any material/psychological hardship (yes/no) and the count of hardships.

RESULTS

N = 202 participants completed the survey (age: 18-49 (n = 42, 20.8%), 50-64 (n = 79, 39.1%), 65+ (n = 81, 40.1%)). Most diagnosed age < 65 worked at diagnosis (18-49: 83%; 50-64: 64%; 65+ : 14%, p < 0.001) and continued working after diagnosis (18-49: 76%; 50-64: 59%; 65+ : 13%; p < 0.001). Participants age 18-49 reported cancer-related difficulties with mental (81.3%) and physical (89%) tasks at work more than those working in the older age groups (45%-61%). In regression models, among those reporting any hardship, the rates of material and psychological hardships were higher among those age 18-64 (Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) range 1.5-2.3 vs. age 65+) and for those with < college (IRR range 1.3-1.6 vs. college +).

CONCLUSIONS

Younger colorectal cancer patients are more likely to work after a cancer diagnosis and during cancer treatment, but report higher levels of financial hardship than older patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Younger colorectal cancer patients may encounter financial hardship, thus may feel a need to work during and after treatment.

The Influence of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Food Insecurity Among Cancer Survivors Across New York State

People surviving cancer represent a particularly vulnerable population who are at a higher risk for food insecurity (FI) due to the adverse short- and long-term effects of cancer treatment. This analysis examines the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of FI among cancer survivors across New York State (NYS). Data from the 2019 and 2021 NYS Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to estimate the prevalence of FI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore socioeconomic determinants of FI. Among cancer survivors, FI varied geographically with a higher prevalence in New York City compared to the rest of the state (ROS) prior to (25.3% vs. 13.8%; p = .0025) and during the pandemic (27.35% vs. 18.52%; p = 0.0206). In the adjusted logistic regression model, pre-pandemic FI was associated with non-White race (OR 2.30 [CI 1.16-4.56]), household income <$15,000 (OR 22.67 [CI 6.39-80.43]) or $15,000 to less than <$25,000 (OR 22.99 [CI 6.85-77.12]), and more co-morbidities (OR 1.39 [CI 1.09-1.77]). During the pandemic, the association of FI with non-White race (OR 1.76 [CI 0.98-3.16]) was attenuated but remained significant for low household income and more co-morbidities. FI was newly associated with being out of work for less than one year (OR 6.36 [CI 1.80-22.54] and having one (OR 4.42 [CI 1.77-11.07]) or two or more children in the household (OR 4.54 [CI 1.78-11.63]). Our findings highlight geographic inequities and key determinants of FI among cancer survivors that are amendable to correction by public health and social policies, for which several were momentarily implemented during the pandemic.

Cancer survivorship in urban people living with cancer following primary treatment: A secondary analysis of qualitative interview data

PURPOSE

Urban cancer survivors have been shown to have better opportunities for recovery of health and wellbeing than their rural counterparts. Whilst there is a considerable body of evidence that explores urban people with cancers' experiences and outcomes, there is a dearth of research that explicitly explores 'urban cancer survivorship' in its own right. This study aimed to explore cancer survivorship in urban people living with cancer who have completed primary treatment.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of in-depth interview data (n = 18) with adults living with cancer who resided in urban parts of the UK. Data were drawn from a broader study on self-management of people living with cancer. An adapted version of Foster and Fenlon's recovery of health and wellbeing in cancer survivorship framework was used to inform the analysis of the data.

RESULTS

Recovery of health and wellbeing was impacted by a variety of contributory factors, which had a largely positive impact. Access to amenities, social support, travel, and healthcare factors were opportunities for urban cancer survivors, whilst pollution, traffic and a lack of green spaces acted as challenges for health management.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated how urban residency acted as both a barrier and a facilitator to recovery of health and wellbeing in urban cancer survivors following the completion of primary treatment. Area of residence should be taken into account by health providers and policymakers supporting cancer survivorship and the views of those with lived experiences should be included in informing future practice.

Labour market participation after sickness absence due to cancer: a dynamic cohort study in Catalonia (Spain)

BACKGROUND

The consequences of cancer on working until retirement age remain unclear. This study aimed to analyse working life considering all possible labour market states in a sample of workers after sickness absence (SA) due to cancer and to compare their working life paths to those of a sample of workers without SA and with an SA due to other diseases.

METHODS

This was a retrospective dynamic cohort study among social security affiliates in Catalonia from 2012-2018. Cases consisted of workers with an SA due to cancer between 2012-2015 (N = 516) and were individually age- and sex-matched with those of affiliates with an SA due to other diagnoses and workers without an SA. All workers (N = 1,548, 56% women) were followed up from entry into the cohort until the end of 2018 to characterise nine possible weekly labour states. Sequence analysis, optimal matching, and multinomial logistic regression were used to identify and assess the probability of future labour market participation patterns (LMPPs). All analyses were stratified by sex.

RESULTS

Compared with workers with an SA due to cancer, male workers with no SA and SA due to other causes showed a lower probability of being in the LMPP of death (aRRR 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00‒0.16; aRRR 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06‒0.46, respectively) and, among women, a lower probability of permanent disability and death (aRRR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.10‒0.57; aRRR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19‒0.83, respectively). Compared to workers with SA due to cancer, the risk of early retirement was lower among workers with no SA (women, aRRR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.22‒1.65; men, aRRR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.27‒1.52), although these results were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Workplaces, many of which have policies common to all diagnoses, should be modified to the needs of cancer survivors to prevent an increasing frequency of early retirement and permanent disability when possible. Future studies should assess the impact of cancer on premature exit from the labour market among survivors, depending on cancer localisation and type of treatment.

Functional impairment is associated with medical debt in male cancer survivors and credit card debt in female cancer survivors

PURPOSE

To examine the associations of functional limitations with medical and credit card debt among cancer survivor families and explore sex differences in these associations.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2019 wave of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a nationally representative, population-based survey of individuals and households in the US administered in both English and Spanish and includes all households where either the head of household or spouse/partner reported having been diagnosed with cancer. Participants reported on functional limitations in six instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and seven activities of daily living (ADL). Functional impairment was categorized as 0, 1-2 and ≥ 3 limitations. Medical debt was defined as self-reported unpaid medical bills. Credit card debt was defined as revolving credit card debt. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Credit card debt was more common than medical debt (39.8% vs. 7.6% of cancer survivor families). Families of male cancer survivors were 7.3 percentage points more likely to have medical debt and 16.0 percentage points less likely to have credit card debt compared to families of female cancer survivors. Whereas male cancer survivors with increasing levels of impairment were 24.7 percentage point (p-value = 0.006) more likely to have medical debt, female survivors with more functional impairment were 13.6 percentage points (p-value = 0.010) more likely to have credit card debt.

CONCLUSIONS

More research on medical and credit card debt burden among cancer survivors with functional limitations is needed.

Experiences of work for people living with a grade 2/3 oligodendroglioma: a qualitative analysis within the Ways Ahead study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the work experiences of people living with an oligodendroglioma.

DESIGN

This was a descriptive qualitative study. One-time semi-structured interviews exploring supportive care needs were conducted; work was discussed at various points throughout each interview. An inductive thematic analysis was undertaken.

SETTING

Participants were recruited across the UK through four National Health Service hospitals and the Brain Tumour Charity research involvement networks.

PARTICIPANTS

19 people with grade 2 or 3 oligodendroglioma (mean age 52 years; male n=11). At diagnosis, 16 participants were working, 2 studying and 1 retired. At the interview (mean time since diagnosis 9.6 years; range 1-18 years), seven participants were working, eight retired (four on medical grounds) and four unable to work due to illness.

RESULTS

Seven themes were constructed: (1) physical and cognitive limitations; (2) work ability and productivity; (3) work accommodations; (4) changing roles; (5) attitudes of clients and coworkers; (6) feelings and ambitions; and (7) financial implications. Fatigue, seizures and cognitive deficits influenced work ability. A stressful work environment could exacerbate symptoms. Changes in job roles and work environment were often required. Employer and coworker support were integral to positive experiences. Work changes could result in financial stress and strain.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has highlighted, for the first time, influences on work experiences in this understudied population. These findings have implications for clinicians and employers, when considering the importance of work in rehabilitation for people with oligodendrogliomas, and the individually assessed adjustments required to accommodate them, should employment be desired.

Tools to assess employment readiness for colorectal cancer survivors: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

The ability to return to work and remain at work is an important recovery milestone after a cancer diagnosis. With the projected number of colorectal cancer patients of working age likely to increase, it is important to identify when a person is ready to resume work. There are many employment-related tools available to help people return to work after injury or illness; however, it is unknown which may be suitable for a person with colorectal cancer.

AIM

To identify tools related to employment readiness in colorectal cancer survivors and to chart the relevant factors of employment assessed by these tools.

METHOD

Literature searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and Medline, the Cochrane library and PsycINFO using search terms around cancer, survivorship and employment to identify all peer-reviewed articles published in English up to June 2022.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies used a total of 77 tools focused on assessing employment issues experienced by people with cancer in general. Four tools were used with colorectal cancer survivors. None considered all relevant employment-related factors for colorectal cancer survivors.

CONCLUSION

Tools used to identify return-to-work and remain-at-work were not specific to colorectal cancer. There are a range of existing tools that collate some, but not all, of the domains and outcome criteria required to meet the employment needs of colorectal cancer survivors. To optimize work outcomes for the working colorectal cancer population, a specified tool is warranted.

The mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and work withdrawal behavior: A cross-sectional study among young lung cancer survivors

Objective

The study aimed to explore the predictors of work withdrawal behavior among young lung cancer survivors and examine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and work withdrawal behavior.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a cancer center in southern China. A total of 215 young lung cancer survivors were recruited from January 2021 to July 2021 and investigated by a demographic and disease-related questionnaire, the Work Withdrawal Behavior Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, and General Self-efficacy Scale. Data analysis was performed ​using ​IBM SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and PROCESS macro version 3.3 for SPSS developed by Preacher and Hayes.

Results

The mean score of work withdrawal behavior was 3.02 (±0.70). Existing symptoms, income, residence, the duration of postoperative rest time, social support, and self-efficacy were the predictors and explained 70.2% of the variance of work withdrawal behavior. The mediating effect of self-efficacy was identified between social support and work withdrawal behavior (indirect effect ​= ​0.36, bias-corrected 95% confidence interval [-0.542 to -0.197]).

Conclusions

Work withdrawal behavior was prevalent among young lung cancer survivors. Social support and self-efficacy were significantly associated with work withdrawal behavior, and self-efficacy was identified as a mediator between social support and work withdrawal behavior among this group. Health professionals could help them return and adapt to work by relieving their symptoms, providing social support, and enhancing their self-efficacy.

Financial Toxicity Among Patients With Breast Cancer Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Financial toxicity (FT) is the negative impact of cost of care on financial well-being. Patients with breast cancer are at risk for incurring high out-of-pocket costs given the long-term need for multidisciplinary care and expensive treatments.

Objective

To quantify the FT rate of patients with breast cancer and identify particularly vulnerable patient populations nationally and internationally.

Data Sources

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Four databases-Embase, PubMed, Global Index Medicus, and Global Health (EBSCO)-were queried from inception to February 2021. Data analysis was performed from March to December 2022.

Study Selection

A comprehensive database search was performed for full-text, English-language articles reporting FT among patients with breast cancer. Two independent reviewers conducted study screening and selection; 462 articles underwent full-text review.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

A standardized data extraction tool was developed and validated by 2 independent authors; study quality was also assessed. Variables assessed included race, income, insurance status, education status, employment, urban or rural status, and cancer stage and treatment. Pooled estimates of FT rates and their 95% CIs were obtained using the random-effects model.

Main Outcomes and Measures

FT was the primary outcome and was evaluated using quantitative FT measures, including rate of patients experiencing FT, and qualitative FT measures, including patient-reported outcome measures or patient-reported severity and interviews. The rates of patients in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries who incurred FT according to out-of-pocket cost, income, or patient-reported impact of expenditures during breast cancer diagnosis and treatment were reported as a meta-analysis.

Results

Of the 11 086 articles retrieved, 34 were included in the study. Most studies were from high-income countries (24 studies), and the rest were from low- and middle-income countries (10 studies). The sample size of included studies ranged from 5 to 2445 people. There was significant heterogeneity in the definition of FT. FT rate was pooled from 18 articles. The pooled FT rate was 35.3% (95% CI, 27.3%-44.4%) in high-income countries and 78.8% (95% CI, 60.4%-90.0%) in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusions and Relevance

Substantial FT is associated with breast cancer treatment worldwide. Although the FT rate was higher in low- and middle-income countries, more than 30% of patients in high-income countries also incurred FT. Policies designed to offset the burden of direct medical and nonmedical costs are required to improve the financial health of vulnerable patients with breast cancer.

Unemployment risk of all employed working-age cancer survivors after cancer diagnosis in South Korea: a retrospective cohort analysis of population-based administrative data

PURPOSE

As the cancer survival rate increases, discussions on the employment status of cancer survivors should be actively carried out worldwide. This study examined patients' working status changes after cancer diagnosis to provide the basis for cancer survivors' return to work.

METHODS

We established a nationwide cohort to determine long-term work changes after cancer diagnosis. All patients aged 19 to 50 years who were newly diagnosed with cancer while working for the previous 3 years were considered as the case group in 2010. Using propensity score matching (PSM), the cases were matched by sex and age at a ratio of 1:3 with the control group. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox hazard model analyses were performed to determine the occurrence of unemployment and return to work in the case and control groups on a yearly basis.

RESULTS

According to the 6-year follow-up after cancer diagnosis, 26.5% of cancer patients and 23.2% of controls had lost their jobs by the end of the follow-up (P < .0001). Meanwhile, 50.5% of cancer patients and 57.4% of controls had returned to work after unemployment (P < .0001). Subsequently, based on the Cox hazard model, the unemployment risk of cancer patients was 1.42 times higher than that of the general population, while the proportion of those who returned to work was 1.15 times lower.

CONCLUSION

Employment is very closely related to the quality of life of cancer survivors. These results highlight the need for a system that can support cancer survivors' work maintenance and return to work after unemployment during the treatment period and the fact that awareness of this must be improved.

Discussing Cost and Value in Patient Decision Aids and Shared Decision Making: A Call to Action

Direct and indirect costs of care influence patients' health choices and the ability to implement those choices. Despite the significant impact of care costs on patients' health and daily lives, patient decision aid (PtDA) and shared decision-making (SDM) guidelines almost never mention a discussion of costs of treatment options as part of minimum standards or quality criteria. Given the growing study of the impact of costs in health decisions and the rising costs of care more broadly, in fall 2021 we organized a symposium at the Society for Medical Decision Making's annual meeting. The focus was on the role of cost information in PtDAs and SDM. Panelists gave an overview of work in this space at this virtual meeting, and attendees engaged in rich discussion with the panelists about the state of the problem as well as ideas and challenges in incorporating cost-related issues into routine care. This article summarizes and extends our discussion based on the literature in this area and calls for action. We recommend that PtDA and SDM guidelines routinely include a discussion of direct and indirect care costs and that researchers measure the frequency, quality, and response to this information.

Prostate cancer aggressiveness and financial toxicity among prostate cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Financial toxicity (FT) is a growing concern among cancer survivors that adversely affects the quality of life and survival. Individuals diagnosed with aggressive cancers are often at a greater risk of experiencing FT. The objectives of this study were to estimate FT among prostate cancer (PCa) survivors after 10-15 years of diagnosis, assess the relationship between PCa aggressiveness at diagnosis and FT, and examine whether current cancer treatment status mediates the relationship between PCa aggressiveness and FT.

METHODS

PCa patients enrolled in the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP) were recontacted for long-term follow-up. The prevalence of FT in the PCaP cohort was estimated. FT was estimated using the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity, a validated measure of FT. The direct effect of PCa aggressiveness and an indirect effect through current cancer treatment on FT was examined using causal mediation analysis.

RESULTS

More than one-third of PCa patients reported experiencing FT. PCa aggressiveness was significantly independently associated with high FT; high aggressive PCa at diagnosis had more than twice the risk of experiencing FT than those with low or intermediate aggressive PCa (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.14-3.96). The proportion of the effect of PCa aggressiveness on FT, mediated by treatment status, was 10%, however, the adjusted odds ratio did not indicate significant evidence of mediation by treatment status (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.95-1.20).

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive PCa was associated with high FT. Future studies should collect more information about the characteristics of men with high FT and identify additional risk factors of FT.

Disease and debt: Findings from the 2019 Panel Study of Income Dynamics in the United States

Medical debt has grown dramatically over the past few decades. While cancer and diabetes are known to be associated with medical debt, little is known about the impact of other medical conditions and health behaviors on medical debt. We analyzed cross-sectional data on 9174 households - spanning lower-income, middle-income, and higher-income based on the Census poverty threshold - participating in the 2019 wave of the nationally representative United States Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID). The outcomes were presence of any medical debt and presence of medical debt≥ $2000. Respondents reported on medical conditions (diabetes, cancer, heart disease, chronic lung disease, asthma, arthritis, anxiety disorders, mood disorders) and on health behaviors (smoking, heavy drinking). Medical debt was observed in lower-income households with heart disease (OR = 2.64, p-value = 0.006) and anxiety disorders (OR = 2.16, p-value = 0.02); middle-income households with chronic lung disease (OR = 1.73, p-value = 0.03) and mood disorders (OR = 1.53, p-value = 0.04); and higher-income households with a current smoker (OR = 2.99, p-value<0.001). Additionally, medical debt ≥$2000 was observed in lower-income households with asthma (OR = 2.16, p-value = 0.009) and a current smoker (OR = 1.62, p-value = 0.04); middle income households with hypertension (OR = 1.65, p-value = 0.05). These novel findings suggest that the harms of medical debt extend beyond cancer, diabetes and beyond lower-income households. There is an urgent need for policy and health services interventions to address medical debt in a wider range of disease contexts than heretofore envisioned. Intervention development would benefit from novel conceptual frameworks on the causal relationships between health behaviors, health conditions, and medical debt that center social-ecological influences on all three of these domains.

Work productivity among patients with metastatic breast cancer in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To characterize workplace productivity measures in patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) using line of therapy (LOT) and first line (1 L) regimen.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using IBM's MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters (CCAE) and Health and Productivity Management (HPM) databases. The cohort included patients diagnosed with mBC who initiated 1 L treatment between 2/3/2015 and 6/30/2018. Productivity was measured using days absent from work and short- and long-term disability (STD, LTD) claims by LOT and 1 L regimen (any cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor [CDK4/6i], endocrine monotherapy, chemotherapy only, or other anti-cancer therapy [OACT]). LOT was defined using regimen-based progression.

RESULTS

Overall, 548 patients were included; 148, 129, 145, and 126 received endocrine monotherapy, CDK4/6i, chemotherapy only, and OACT, respectively. The rate of LTD increased significantly by 3.1 and 2.6 times from 1 L to second line (2 L) and from 2 L to subsequent lines, respectively. Patients receiving 1 L chemotherapy had 2.4- and 2.7-times odds of using STD and LTD compared to patients receiving 1 L CDK4/6i.

CONCLUSIONS

Regimen-based disease progression is associated with increased use of STD and LTD. Patients with a 1 L regimen of chemotherapy have significantly higher odds of using STD or LTD than patients using 1 L CDK4/6i.

Managing the Consequences of Oncological Major Surgery: A Short- and Medium-Term Skills Assessment Proposal for Patient and Caregiver through M.A.D.I.T. Methodology

The effects of cancer surgery and treatment harm patients’ life and working ability: major causes of this can be intensified by the postoperative symptoms. This study, the first part of the HEAGIS project (Health and Employment after Gastrointestinal Surgery), proposes a method to assess patients and caregivers’ competences in dealing with postoperative course and the related needs to improve the adequate competences. In this observational study, an ad hoc structured interview was conducted with 47 patients and 15 caregivers between the third and fifteenth postoperative day. Oesophageal (38%), esophagogastric junction (13%), gastric (30%), colon (8%) and rectum (11%) cancer patients were considered. Computerized textual data analysis methodology was used to identify levels of competences. Text analysis highlighted three different levels (low, medium and high) of four specific types of patients and caregivers’ competences. In particular, the overall trend of the preview of future scenarios and use of resource competences was low. Less critical were situation evaluation and preview repercussion of own actions’ competences. Caregivers’ trends were similar. The Kruskal–Wallis test did not distinguish any differences in the level of competences related to the characteristics of the participants. Patients and caregivers are not accurate in planning the future after surgery, using personal beliefs rather than referring to physicians, and not recognizing adequate resources. The medium-low competences’ trend leads to unexpected critical situations, and patients could not deal with them in a maximally effective way. Both patients and caregivers should be taken over by healthcare professionals to improve patients’ competences and make the curative surgery effective in daily life.

Epidemiological Study of Return to Work and Mortality in Lung Cancer Survivors

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Return to work (RTW) plays an important role for lung cancer survivors. Few studies focus solely on the relationship among possible variables and the RTW of lung cancer patients. The aim of our study was to examine sociodemographic, disease-related and work-related factors associated with RTW among lung cancer survivors in Taiwan. A total of 2206 employees who had been diagnosed with lung cancer at the Labor Insurance Database (LID), Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR) and the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) during the period 2004-2015, were included in the study. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to investigate the associations between sociodemographic, disease-related and work-related factors on one hand and RTW on the other hand. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for analyzing the survival probability. Patients with an early cancer stage and those who underwent surgery had a higher likelihood of RTW. Factors including older age, male, higher monthly income and receipt of radiotherapy were inversely correlated with RTW. For lung cancer patients, RTW was a predictor of a lower risk of all-cause mortality in both the unadjusted and fully adjusted model. A better survival rate was found in stage III and IV lung cancer patients who had RTW. Sociodemographic and clinical-related variables had an impact on RTW among employees with lung cancer. RTW was correlated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and better lung cancer survival. Our study showed the influence of RTW and independent confounding factors in lung cancer survivorship.

A sequential explanatory study of the employment experiences of population-based breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Cancer treatment often leads to work disruptions including loss of income, resulting in long-term financial instability for cancer survivors and their informal caregivers.

METHODS

In this sequential explanatory study, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of employment experiences among ethnically diverse, working-age individuals diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer. Following the survey, we conducted semi-structured interviews with cancer survivors and informal caregivers to explore changes in employment status and coping techniques to manage these changes.

RESULTS

Among employed survivors (n = 333), cancer caused numerous work disruptions including issues with physical tasks (53.8%), mental tasks (46.5%) and productivity (76.0%) in the workplace. Prostate cancer survivors reported fewer work disruptions than female breast and male and female colorectal cancer survivors. Paid time off and flexible work schedules were work accommodations reported by 52.6% and 36.3% of survivors, respectively. In an adjusted regression analysis, household income was positively associated with having received a work accommodation. From the qualitative component of the study (survivors n = 17; caregivers n = 11), three key themes emerged: work disruptions, work accommodations, and coping mechanisms to address the disruptions. Survivors and caregivers shared concerns about lack of support at work and resources to navigate issues caused by changes in employment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study characterized employment changes among a diverse group of cancer survivors. Work accommodations were identified as a specific unmet need, particularly among low-income cancer survivors. Addressing changes in employment among specific groups of cancer survivors and caregivers is critical to mitigate potential long-term consequences of cancer.

Cancer Survivorship in Latin America: Current Status and Opportunities

PURPOSE

The number of cancer survivors is increasing globally although the status of cancer survivorship care provision and research in developing countries is limited. This study aimed to review published literature and available guidelines and/or recommendations to inform cancer survivorship care in Latin America.

METHODS

Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and SciELO were systematically searched for articles and guidelines and/or recommendations published through December 31, 2020. Our search terms included cancer, survivors, neoplasm, cancer, survivorship, survivor, follow-up studies, and the name of the countries. We categorized the articles by country, year, cancer type(s), language, and domain of cancer survivorship care. We also searched governmental health agencies websites in all Latin American countries.

RESULTS

Our literature review found 664 articles for inclusion. The number of publications increased over time. Brazil had most of the survivorship research (n = 483, 72.7%). The most common topics included surveillance and management of psychosocial effects (n = 237, 35.7%) and physical effects (n = 230, 34.6%). Prevention and surveillance for recurrences and health promotion and disease prevention were each addressed by about 10% (n = 71) of the publications. Although close to half of the publications included more than one cancer, 28.9% (n = 192) focused solely on breast cancer. We found no guidelines and/or recommendations explicitly focusing on Latin America in the reviews of the literature or the national governmental institutions' websites.

CONCLUSION

We found a growing body of cancer survivorship publications, mainly focusing on psychosocial and physical effects, although no cancer survivorship guidance and/or recommendations focused on Latin America were identified. Expanding research across Latin American countries and covering a broader spectrum of cancer survivorship care is needed. Development of guidelines may further promote provision of quality care for this growing population of cancer survivors.

There is a steady growth in papers focusing on cancer survivorship care published in Latin America

A conceptual framework for understanding financial burden during serious illness

Life-threatening illness is associated with financial burden among families. During this time, care-related expenses often increase. The concept of financial burden has not fully been explored nor conceptually described in the literature. Our study coalesces the empirical literature on financial burden into a more comprehensive multidimensional theoretical framework to understand financial burden among patients and families dealing with serious illness. Using Jabareen's phased approach for building conceptual frameworks, we synthesized the existing scientific literature (including existing measures of financial burden) to construct an empirically derived model. Definitions of financial burden are overlapping with similarities, but also inconsistencies. Many studies have focused more on objective and operational definitions, than subjective and conceptual aspects. Regarding measures for financial burden, many studies have only used a few items. The financial burden is dependent on the illness trajectories and duration. By considering multidimensionality, we illustrate potential financial burden factors (objective, coping, and subjective). Although anticipation and expectations about future financial issues are important, patients and caregivers generally experience objective aspects of burden, followed by subjective impressions of burden. Coping skills likely reduce subjective burden. Based on the results, we redefine the financial burden among patients with life-threatening illness and caregivers.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Financial Consequences of Cancer-Related Employment Disruption

Introduction

Cancer-related employment disruption contributes to financial toxicity and associated clinical outcomes through income loss and changes in health insurance and may not be uniformly experienced. We examined racial/ethnic differences in the financial consequences of employment disruption.

Methods

We surveyed a national sample of cancer patients employed at diagnosis who had received assistance from a national nonprofit about the impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on employment. We used logistic regression models to examine racial/ethnic differences in income loss and changes in health insurance coverage.

Results

Of 619 cancer patients included, 63% identified as Non-Hispanic/Latinx (NH) White, 18% as NH Black, 9% as Hispanic/Latinx, 5% as other racial/ethnic identities, and 5% unreported. Over 83% reported taking a significant amount of time off from work during cancer diagnosis and treatment, leading to substantial income loss for 64% and changes in insurance coverage for 31%. NH Black respondents had a 10.2 percentage point (95% CI: 4.8 – 19.9) higher probability of experiencing substantial income loss compared to NH White respondents, and Hispanic or Latinx respondents had a 12.4 percentage point (95% CI: 0.3 – 24.5) higher probability compared to NH White respondents, controlling for clinical characteristics (i.e., cancer type, stage and age at diagnosis, and time since diagnosis). Similarly, NH Black respondents had a 9.3 percentage point (95% CI: -0.7 – 19.3) higher probability of experiencing changes in health insurance compared to NH White respondents, and Hispanic or Latinx respondents had a 10.0 percentage point (95% CI: -3.0 – 23.0) higher probability compared to NH White respondents.

Discussion

Compared with NH White respondents, NH Black and Hispanic/Latinx respondents more commonly reported employment-related income loss and health insurance changes. Given documented racial/ethnic differences in job types, benefit generosity, and employment protections as a result of historic marginalization, policies to reduce employment disruption and its associated financial impact must be developed with a racial equity lens.

Financial hardship among cancer survivors in Southern New Jersey

PURPOSE

To identify predictors of financial hardship, operationalized as foregoing health care, making financial sacrifices, and being concerned about having inadequate financial and insurance information.

METHODS

Cancer survivors (n = 346) identified through the New Jersey State Cancer Registry were surveyed from August 2018 to September 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Cancer survivors with household incomes less than $50,000 annually were more likely than those earning $50,0000-$90,000 to report foregoing health care (15.8 percentage points, p < 0.05). Compared to retirees, survivors who were currently unemployed, disabled, or were homemakers were more likely to forego doctor's visits (11.4 percentage points, p < 0.05), more likely to report borrowing money (16.1 percentage points, p < 0.01), and more likely to report wanting health insurance information (25.7 percentage points, p < 0.01). Employed survivors were more likely than retirees to forego health care (16.8 percentage points, p < 0.05) and make financial sacrifices (20.0 percentage points, p < 0.01). Survivors who never went to college were 9.8 percentage points (p < 0.05) more likely to borrow money compared to college graduates. Black survivors were more likely to want information about dealing with financial and insurance issues (p < 0.01); men were more likely to forego health care (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight the role of employment status and suggest that education, income, race, and gender also shape cancer survivors' experience of financial hardship. There is a need to refine and extend financial navigation programs. For employed survivors, strengthening family leave policies would be desirable.

Breast Cancer-Related Employment Disruption and Financial Hardship in the Sister Study

Background

More than one-half of breast cancer cases are diagnosed among women aged younger than 62 years, which may result in employment challenges. This study examined whether cancer-related employment disruption was associated with increased financial hardship in a national US study of women with breast cancer.

Methods

Women with breast cancer who were enrolled in the Sister or Two Sister Studies completed a survivorship survey in 2012. Employment disruption was defined as stopping work completely or working fewer hours after diagnosis. Financial hardship was defined as: 1) experiencing financial problems paying for cancer care, 2) borrowing money or incurring debt, or 3) filing for bankruptcy because of cancer. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between employment disruption and financial hardship were estimated using multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance.

Results

We analyzed data from women employed at diagnosis (n = 1628). Women were a median age of 48 years at diagnosis and 5.6 years from diagnosis at survey completion. Overall, 27.3% of women reported employment disruption (15.4% stopped working; 11.9% reduced hours), and 21.0% experienced financial hardship (16.0% had difficulty paying for care; 12.6% borrowed money or incurred debt; 1.8% filed for bankruptcy). In adjusted analysis, employment disruption was associated with nearly twice the prevalence of financial hardship (prevalence ratio = 1.93, 95% confidence interval = 1.58 to 2.35).

Conclusions

Women experiencing employment disruptions after breast cancer may be more vulnerable to financial hardship. Findings highlight the need to target risk factors for employment disruption, facilitate return to work or ongoing employment, and mitigate financial consequences after cancer.

Impact of employment and insurance status on distress in gynecologic oncology patients

OBJECTIVES

To study associations among employment, insurance status, and distress in gynecologic oncology patients; and to evaluate the impact of being unemployed or having no/Medicaid insurance on different distress problem areas.

METHODS

In this single institution, cross-sectional analysis of gynecologic oncology patients, we screened for distress and problem areas using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network distress thermometer and problem list at outpatient appointments between 6/2017-9/2017. Primary outcome was self-reported high distress (score ≥ 5). The distress problem list included 5 categories-practical, family, emotional, physical, and other. Employment status included employed, unemployed, homemaker, and retired. Logistic regression was used to predict high distress from employment and insurance statuses, adjusting for relevant covariates.

RESULTS

Of 885 women, 101 (11.4%) were unemployed, and 53 (6.0%) uninsured or had Medicaid coverage. One in five patients (n = 191, 21.6%) indicated high distress. Unemployed patients were more likely than employed to endorse high distress [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2-5.7, p < 0.001]. Compared to employed patients, a greater proportion of unemployed patients endorsed distress related to practical (p < 0.05), emotional (p < 0.001), physical (p < 0.01), and other (p < 0.05) problems. Uninsured/Medicaid patients were more likely to endorse high distress (aOR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.1, p < 0.001) and report family (p < 0.001), emotional (p < 0.001), and other (p < 0.01) problems than patients who had Medicare/commercial insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Gynecologic oncology patients who are unemployed or have no/Medicaid insurance face high distress that appears to arise from issues beyond practical problems, including financial and/or insurance insecurities.

Changes after cancer diagnosis and return to work: experience of Korean cancer patients

Background

Cancer patients’ return to work is a growing aspect of survivorship care, yet limited studies have been conducted in Korea to understand the work-related experience of cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to understand the unmet needs of cancer patients and identify the necessary factors to develop a vocational intervention program based on cancer patients’ work-related experience after cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Semi-structured individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 cancer patients who were working at the time of diagnosis at a university hospital in Seoul, South Korea from July to September of 2017. Interview data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

‘The changes patients experienced after cancer diagnosis’ were categorized into Personal and socio-environmental changes. ‘Personal changes’ were changes within the patient that were further divided into ‘physical’, ‘psychological’ and ‘spiritual’ changes while ‘socio-environmental changes’ were changes in either ‘attitude’ and ‘relationship’ of other people cancer patients encountered. In addition to these post-diagnosis changes, the following 4 major factors related to return-to-work were identified to affect patients’ experience: ‘fear of cancer recurrence’, ‘financial status’, ‘informational support’, and ‘job-related work environment’.

Conclusion

Cancer patients’ working status was determined by personal and socio-environmental changes after the cancer diagnosis which as well as psychological distress and practical issues such as fear of cancer recurrence, financial burden, and work environment. Educational materials and intervention programs informing patients on these changes and factors may facilitate their return-to-work after diagnosis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-07812-w.

Employment disruption following the diagnosis of endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

Oncologic treatment has been associated with unemployment. As endometrial cancer is highly curable, it is important to assess whether patients experience employment disruption after treatment. We evaluated the frequency of employment change following endometrial cancer diagnosis and assessed factors associated with it.

METHODS

A cohort of patients 18-63 years-old who were diagnosed with endometrial cancer (January 2009-December 2017) were identified in the Truven MarketScan database, an insurance claims database of commercially insured patients in the United States. All patients who were working full- or part-time at diagnosis were included and all employment changes during the year following diagnosis were identified. Clinical information, including use of chemotherapy and radiation, were identified using Common Procedural Terminology codes, and International Statistical Classification of Diseases codes. Cox proportional hazards models incorporating measured covariates were used to evaluate the impact of treatment and demographic variables on change in employment status.

RESULTS

A total of 4381 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer who held a full-time or part-time job 12 months prior to diagnosis were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 55 and a minority of patients received adjuvant therapy; 7.9% received chemotherapy, 4.9% received external-beam radiation therapy, and 4.1% received chemoradiation. While most women continued to work following diagnosis, 21.7% (950) experienced a change in employment status. The majority (97.7%) of patients had a full-time job prior to diagnosis. In a multivariable analysis controlling for age, region of residence, comorbidities, insurance plan type and presence of adverse events, chemoradiation recipients were 34% more likely to experience an employment change (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.78), compared to those who only underwent surgery.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 22% of women with employer-subsidized health insurance experienced a change in employment status following the diagnosis of endometrial cancer, an often-curable disease. Chemoradiation was an independent predictor of change in employment.

A theoretical model of financial burden after cancer diagnosis

Current models of financial burden after cancer do not adequately define types of financial burden, moderators or causes. We propose a new theoretical model to address these gaps. This model delineates the components of financial burden as material and psychological as well as healthcare-specific (affording treatment) versus general (affording necessities). Psychological financial burden is further divided into worry about future costs and rumination about past and current financial burden. The model hypothesizes costs and employment changes as causes, and moderators include precancer socioeconomic status and post-diagnosis factors. The model outlines outcomes affected by financial burden, including depression and mortality. Theoretically derived measures of financial burden, interventions and policy changes to address the causes of financial burden in cancer are needed.

Returning to work in lung cancer survivors-a multi-center cross-sectional study in Germany

Purpose

To investigate the work situation of lung cancer survivors and to identify the factors associated with their returning to work.

Methods

Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to evaluate study population characteristics and independent factors of subsequently returning to work. To analyze time to return to work, Cox regression was used.

Results

The study sample included 232 lung cancer survivors of working age from 717 enrolled participants in the multi-center cross-sectional LARIS (Quality of Life and Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Lung Cancer Survivors) study. About 67% of the survivors were not employed during the survey. More than 51% of the survivors who were employed before their illness did not return to their work. The survivors who had returned to their careers were younger, associated with higher household income, lower fatigue score, and stable relationship and vocational training. Patients who received social service counseling showed a higher chance of regaining their career.

Conclusions

Lung cancer survivors were found to be associated with a high risk of unemployment and very low professional reintegration after interruption due to illness. More comprehensive studies are needed to support lung cancer survivors and targeting of patients in need of special attention in rehabilitation that would benefit from the findings in the present study.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-020-05886-z.

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.

Financial toxicity and employment status in cancer survivors. A systematic literature review

Background

Financial toxicity has traditionally been attributed to the rising costs of cancer care. As ability to work impacts one’s financial situation, limited employment and reduced income may also contribute to financial toxicity. We examined evidence of the association between financial toxicity and employment status in cancer survivors.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed via PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO with search terms including “Cancer,” “Financial toxicity,” and “Employment” on September 25, 2019.

Results

Thirty-one papers met eligibility criteria. Thirteen studies were rated as having high quality, 16 as adequate, and two as low. Being actively treated for cancer had serious negative consequences on employment and medical expenditures. Unemployment, changed or reduced employment, lost days at work, poor work ability, and changes to employment were associated with a higher risk of financial toxicity. Patients who were younger, non-white, unmarried, of low education, living with dependents, residing in non-metropolitan service areas, with lower income, and of low socioeconomic status were more at risk of financial toxicity. Other variables associated with financial toxicity included having a mortgage/personal loan, higher out of pocket costs and household bills, limited health insurance, more severely ill, on active treatment, and lower functioning or quality of life.

Conclusion

Cancer negatively affects employment, and these changes are significant contributors to financial toxicity. Researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients themselves should all cooperate to tackle these complex issues.

Prevalence and correlates of job and insurance problems among young breast cancer survivors within 18 months of diagnosis

Background

The prevalence and correlates of job and insurance problems were examined among a cohort of young U.S. breast cancer survivors during the first 18-months following diagnosis.

Methods

Participants were 708 women diagnosed at ≤45 years with stage I-III breast cancer. 90% were non-Hispanic white, 76% were married/partnered and 67% had ≥4-year college degree. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression examined the associations between demographic, lifestyle and clinical factors with job and insurance problems.

Results

18-months after diagnosis, 56% of participants worked full-time, 16% part-time, 18% were homemakers and/or students, 4.5% were unemployed, and 2.4% were disabled. The majority (86%) had private insurance. Job-related problems were reported by 40% of women, and included believing they could not change jobs for fear of losing health insurance (35.0%), being fired (2.3%), and being demoted, denied promotion or denied wage increases (7.8%). Greater job-related problems were associated with being overweight vs. under/normal weight (p = 0.006), income <$50,000/per year (p = 0.01), and working full-time vs. part-time (p = 0.003). Insurance problems were reported by 27% of women, and included being denied health insurance (2.6%), health insurance increases (4.3%), being denied health benefit payments (14.8%) or denied life insurance (11.4%). Insurance problems were associated with being under/normal weight vs. obese (p = 0.01), not being on hormone therapy (p < 0.001), and a tumor size > 5 cm vs. < 2 cm (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Young survivors experienced significant job- and insurance-related issues following diagnosis. To the extent possible, work and insurance concerns should be addressed prior to treatment to inform work expectations and avoid unnecessary insurance difficulties.

Insurance Coverage, Employment Status, and Financial Well-Being of Young Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

The economic cost of breast cancer is a major personal and public health problem in the United States. This study aims to evaluate the insurance, employment, and financial experiences of young female breast cancer survivors and to assess factors associated with financial decline.

METHODS

We recruited 830 women under 40 years of age diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2013 and December 2014. The study population was identified through California, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina population-based cancer registries. The cross-sectional survey was fielded in 2017 and included questions on demographics, insurance, employment, out-of-pocket costs, and financial well-being. We present descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis to assess factors associated with financial decline.

RESULTS

Although 92.5% of the respondents were continuously insured over the past 12 months, 9.5% paid a "higher price than expected" for coverage. Common concerns among the 73.4% of respondents who were employed at diagnosis included increased paid (55.1%) or unpaid (47.3%) time off, suffering job performance (23.2%), and staying at (30.2%) or avoiding changing (23.5%) jobs for health insurance purposes. Overall, 47.0% experienced financial decline due to treatment-related costs. Patients with some college education, multiple comorbidities, late stage diagnoses, and self-funded insurance were most vulnerable.

CONCLUSIONS

The breast cancer diagnosis created financial hardship for half the respondents and led to myriad challenges in maintaining employment. Employment decisions were heavily influenced by the need to maintain health insurance coverage.

IMPACT

This study finds that a breast cancer diagnosis in young women can result in employment disruption and financial decline.

Knowledge and self-efficacy for caring for breast and colon cancer survivors among safety net primary care providers

BACKGROUND

Primary care providers (PCPs) are critical to the provision of comprehensive care for cancer survivors, yet there is very little data on the practices and quality of survivorship care occurring in safety net primary care settings. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of PCPs and preferences for care models for breast and colon cancer survivors in a safety net health network.

METHODS

A modified National Cancer Institute Survey of Physician Attitudes Regarding the Care of Cancer Survivors was sent electronically to 220 PCPs in 12 primary care clinics in the San Francisco Health Network affiliated with Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

RESULTS

The response rate was 50% (110/220). About half of PCPs strongly/somewhat agreed (vs. strongly/somewhat disagreed) that PCPs have the knowledge needed to provide follow-up care related to breast (50%) and colon cancer (54%). Most providers (93%) correctly reported recommended frequency of mammography, however, frequency of blood tests and other imaging surveillance were not as well recognized for breast or colon cancer. Recognition of long-term side effects of chemotherapy drugs ranged from 12% for oxaliplatin to 44% for doxorubicin. Only 33% of providers reported receiving any survivorship training. The most preferred model for survivorship care was shared care model (40%).

CONCLUSIONS

Safety net PCPs prefer a shared care model for care of cancer survivors but are limited by lack of training, poor communication, and poor delineation of roles. Patient-centered survivorship care can be improved through effective oncologist-PCP-patient partnerships and coordination.

Experiences with cancer survey in China

BACKGROUND

China accounts for approximately 27% of global cancer deaths. However, to the authors' knowledge, the lasting effects of cancer and cancer treatments on patients have not been investigated in China. The authors developed a questionnaire, the China Survey of Experiences with Cancer, for Chinese cancer survivors. This article introduces the study design and domains covered in the questionnaire.

METHODS

The Cancer Survivorship Supplement of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) was used as a reference to develop the questionnaire. The final in-person surveys were conducted in 2015 and 2016. Samples were chosen through multistage sampling. The authors described the characteristics of the study participants and their cancer experiences.

RESULTS

At the time of last follow-up, a total of 1166 patients had completed at least 1 component of the survey. Approximately 59% of the cancer survivors were aged ≥60 years. Greater than one-half of the participants had an elementary education level or less (51%) and a yearly family income of <$3174. Chinese cancer survivors were more likely to retire earlier than planned compared with American cancer survivors (37% vs 9%). The majority of Chinese cancer survivors (84%) reported that their work abilities were hindered by their cancer or cancer treatments. Approximately one-half of patients in China had to incur debt because of cancer, whereas <10% of patients in the United States reported having incurred debt.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey provides information regarding the burden of cancer in China that to the authors' knowledge currently is unavailable from other sources, including medical care use, financial impacts, employment patterns, and life experience after a cancer diagnosis for survivors and their families.

Money matters: an analysis of advanced cancer couples' communication about financial concerns

Even for the insured, cancer treatment can be expensive and financially burdensome for families, especially in advanced disease.

PURPOSE

To determine if advanced cancer patient-caregiver spousal dyads identified and/or discussed financial concerns.

METHODS

Advanced cancer spousal dyads (n = 26) were asked to discuss their concerns (including finances) for 10 min. Discussions were audio-recorded and transcripts were analyzed for content and depth. We used the constant comparative analysis to analyze communication and demographic data from those who identified financial concerns relevant to cancer treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 26 couples identifying finances as a concern relevant to cancer, there was variability in perception of their overall financial situation, and roughly a third had discordant reports on the degree of financial concern. Thirty-five percent of dyads (n = 9) did not discuss finances during the audio-recorded discussions; for the other dyads, financial conversations varied in depth and breadth for specific concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

Couples were discordant in reports of concern about finances and perceptions of their financial situations. Even if finances were identified as a concern, many couples chose not to discuss financial concerns in depth. Some degree of shielding or avoidance between spouses may be beneficial, but couple financial discussions are important, especially when decisions may impact long-term plans. More research is needed to determine how to facilitate financial conversations to improve patient's and caregiver's well-being.

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.

Lung cancer survivors and employment: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The aim of this systematic review is to identify, in a comprehensive manner, the impact of lung cancer on the employment status of survivors.

METHODS

The Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement was used as a formal guideline. The systematic review includes scientific papers published between January 2000 and October 2018. The search strategy queried the database MEDLINE. Inclusion criteria comprised: (1) inclusion of patients diagnosed with lung cancer (LC) (2); assessment of employment status or employment outcomes or work adjustments or return to work (3); inclusion of scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals (4); inclusion of articles written either in English or in French. Literature reviews were not included.

RESULTS

A total of 642 scientific papers were retrieved. Twenty-three articles were included in the systematic review: 5 longitudinal studies and 18 cross-sectional studies. LC survivors are 2-3 times more likely to be unemployed as compared with control groups. Previous studies highlight a median duration of sickness absence increased for LC survivors compared to control groups. The strongest decline in earnings was observed among LC survivors as compared to other cancer types.

CONCLUSIONS

LC is associated with a significant impact on employment of patients. The promising results of recent therapeutic strategies could lead to a better social and professional prognosis. A reduction of indirect costs is to be expected.

Long-Term Survivorship Care After Cancer Treatment - Summary of a 2017 National Cancer Policy Forum Workshop

The National Cancer Policy Forum of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine sponsored a workshop on July 24 and 25, 2017 on Long-Term Survivorship after Cancer Treatment. The workshop brought together diverse stakeholders (patients, advocates, academicians, clinicians, research funders, and policymakers) to review progress and ongoing challenges since the Institute of Medicine (IOM)'s seminal report on the subject of adult cancer survivors published in 2006. This commentary profiles the content of the meeting sessions and concludes with recommendations that stem from the workshop discussions. Although there has been progress over the past decade, many of the recommendations from the 2006 report have not been fully implemented. Obstacles related to the routine delivery of standardized physical and psychosocial care services to cancer survivors are substantial, with important gaps in care for patients and caregivers. Innovative care models for cancer survivors have emerged, and changes in accreditation requirements such as the Commission on Cancer's (CoC) requirement for survivorship care planning have put cancer survivorship on the radar. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation's Oncology Care Model (OCM), which requires psychosocial services and the creation of survivorship care plans for its beneficiary participants, has placed increased emphasis on this service. The OCM, in conjunction with the CoC requirement, is encouraging electronic health record vendors to incorporate survivorship care planning functionality into updated versions of their products. As new models of care emerge, coordination and communication among survivors and their clinicians will be required to implement patient- and community-centered strategies.

Cancer Survivors' Reported Discussions with Health Care Providers About Follow-Up Care and Receipt of Written Care Plans

Prior studies reveal gaps in cancer survivors' discussions with health care providers about follow-up care and receipt of care plans; however, whether survivorship care planning may vary by cancer type is not known. We surveyed 615 survivors of breast, colorectal, prostate, lung cancer, and melanoma enrolled in three health plans to examine cancer survivors' self-reported discussions of follow-up care, including the need for surveillance, late and long-term effects, emotional needs, and health behaviors. We assessed whether cancer survivors received a written treatment summary and post-treatment care instructions. Most (92%) survivors reported having a discussion about the need for surveillance; 75%, late and long-term effects; 69%, lifestyle and health behaviors; and 53%, emotional and social needs. Most (88%) reported receiving post-treatment care instructions and 47%, a treatment summary. While there was little difference among survivors' receipt of surveillance or health behavior recommendations by cancer type (p = 0.85 and p = 0.66, respectively), discussions of late and long-term effects occurred among 82% of prostate, 78% of breast, 73% of melanoma, 72% of colorectal, and 67% of lung survivors (p = 0.06). Approximately half of survivors reported discussions of emotional needs, with modest differences by cancer type (p = 0.08). Our findings indicate that most patient-provider discussions cover information on surveillance, with less emphasis on late and long-term effects, lifestyle and health behaviors, and substantially less focusing on emotional and social needs. No or modest differences in discussions occurred by cancer type. Whether tailoring information to individual cancer survivor needs is beneficial should be examined.

Exploring the role of psychosocial care in value-based oncology: Results from a survey of 3000 cancer patients and survivors

PURPOSE

To explore the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and survivors across the United States and their implications for value-based oncology.

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of findings from a cross-sectional national online survey.

SAMPLE

Respondents were sampled and stratified by cancer type and geographic region to approximate the cancer-affected population of the United States. Breast, prostate, and colorectal were the most common cancers reported. Across surveys, the majority of respondents were female (57%), over 55 (60%), and white (70%) and had at least some college (36%).

METHODS

Six online surveys were administered to cohorts of approximately 500 unique cancer patients and survivors. Survey topics included: (1) diagnosis, (2) treatment planning, (3) communication with providers, (4) insurance and financial concerns, (5) quality of life, side effects, and symptoms, and (6) survivorship and end-of-life. Descriptive analyses were used to explore psychosocial needs and experiences across three domains of patient-centered value in oncology.

FINDINGS

Each survey received 500-527 responses. Respondents most commonly reported needing more information regarding their insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs (65%), access to clinical trials (89%), and support organizations (45%). Forty-one percent were very or extremely distressed about cancer's impact on their ability to work and over 25% reported high-levels of cancer-related financial hardship.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients and survivors reported significant unmet informational needs, financial hardship, distress, and symptoms or treatment side effects that interfered with daily life. Implications for Psychosocial Providers or Policy: Providers and payment reform advocates can improve value in oncology by ensuring access to comprehensive psychosocial care and informational support.

Employment, Insurance, and Financial Experiences of Patients with Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease in North America

Understanding the socioeconomic impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) on affected patients is essential to help improve their overall well-being. Using data from the Chronic GVHD Consortium, we describe the insurance, employment, and financial challenges faced by these patients and the factors associated with the ability to work/attend school and associated financial burdens. A 15-item cross-sectional questionnaire designed to measure financial concerns, income, employment, and insurance was completed by 190 patients (response rate, 68%; 10 centers) enrolled on a multicenter Chronic GVHD Consortium Response Measures Validation Study. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the factors associated with financial burden and ability to work/attend school. The median age of respondents was 56years, and 87% of the patients were white. A higher proportion of nonrespondents had lower income before hematopoietic cell transplantation and less than a college degree. All but 1 patient had insurance, 34% had faced delayed/denied insurance coverage for chronic GVHD treatments, and 66% reported a financial burden. Patients with a financial burden had greater depression/anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Nonwhite race, lower mental functioning, and lower activity score were associated with a greater likelihood of financial burden. Younger age, early risk disease, and higher mental functioning were associated with a greater likelihood of being able to work/attend school. In this multicenter cohort of patients with chronic GVHD, significant negative effects on finances were observed even with health insurance coverage. Future research should investigate potential interventions to provide optimal and affordable care to at-risk patients and prevent long-term adverse financial outcomes in this vulnerable group.

Implications of CRISPR-Based Germline Engineering for Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors can carry germline mutations that will be transmitted to their progeny. Today, many of these mutations have been identified and can be tracked. With the recent development of genome-editing technologies and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats), the possibility of genetically modifying the human germline-gametes and embryos-has never been closer. This perspective has sparked a controversy within the scientific community with reactions ranging from calls for a ban on germline modification to cautious approval of further research. This Editorial analyzes the possible adoption of CRISPR-based germline engineering to prevent the spread of cancer predispositions in the human population. We discuss whether the genomic edition of human sperm and eggs would contribute to rectifying or altering the heritable genome. We anticipate the emergence of a new form of liberal eugenics fueled by a logic of offer and demand from stakeholders such as cancer survivors and their relatives and offspring, but also from fertility clinics, biotech firms, insurers, and clinicians. From a regulatory perspective, validating the clinical safety and utility of CRISPR-based germline engineering is an essential step. However, with time, gradually perfecting the technology and assessing the economic benefits for stakeholders could soften society's resistance and align opinions in support of genomic decontamination of human germlines. This progressive shift would be justified in the name of cancer prevention as well as a moral obligation to facilitate the conception of cancer-free children at a cost that is acceptable to individuals and health systems.

Financial Hardship and the Economic Effect of Childhood Cancer Survivorship

In addition to the long-term physical and psychological sequelae of cancer therapy, adult survivors of childhood cancer are at an elevated risk for financial hardship. Financial hardship can have material, psychological, and behavioral effects, including high out-of-pocket medical costs, asset depletion and debt, limitations in or inability to work, job lock, elevated stress and worry, and a delaying or forgoing of medical care because of cost. Most financial hardship research has been conducted in survivors of adult cancers. The few studies focused on childhood cancer survivors have shown that these individuals are at elevated risk for having difficulties with affording needed health care and report high out-of-pocket medical expenses, difficulty with paying medical bills, or consideration of filing for bankruptcy. Childhood cancer survivors are more likely to be unable to work or to have missed work because of poor health. They are more likely to report difficulties with obtaining insurance coverage and rely more frequently on government-sponsored insurance. Globally, countries able to provide curative cancer therapies have witnessed a growing population of survivors, which places a burden on their health care systems because survivors are more likely to require hospitalization and experience a higher burden of chronic illness than the general population. Guidelines for surveillance for late effects are intended to reduce the burden of morbidity, but research is needed to determine whether such surveillance is cost effective. Of note, risk-based survivor care should include routine surveillance for financial hardship. Improved measures of financial hardship, enhanced data infrastructure, and research studies to identify survivors and families most vulnerable to financial hardship and adverse health outcomes will inform the development of targeted programs to serve as a safety net for those at greatest risk.

Managing work and cancer treatment: Experiences among survivors of hematological cancer

BACKGROUND

The current study was performed to characterize the employment status of survivors of hematological cancer who have an informal caregiver from the time of diagnosis through the first 6 months of treatment.

METHODS

Using a mixed methods approach, semistructured interviews with survivors of hematological cancer were conducted within 6 months of the initiation of cancer treatment. Interviews assessed cancer treatment status, barriers and facilitators to employment, financial and insurance status, and relationship with the primary caregiver. These results are part of a longitudinal study of cancer survivors and informal caregivers.

RESULTS

A total of 171 patients were enrolled. Within 6 months of beginning cancer treatments, approximately 35% were no longer employed. Reasons to remain employed included financial need, employee benefits, and a sense of purpose and normalcy. Employer accommodations and supportive colleagues facilitated continued employment. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that having a higher household income, a desire to work, nonphysical job tasks, and congruent survivor-caregiver communication were associated with greater odds of remaining employed.

CONCLUSIONS

Within 6 months of initiating cancer treatment, the majority of survivors of hematological cancer had maintained employment. Because of the limitations imposed by the physical stress of cancer treatments, as well as the need to maintain employment to continue receiving employee benefits to cover such treatments, survivors of hematological cancer likely would benefit from employment accommodations that are sensitive to their unique needs. Cancer 2018;124:2824-2831. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Cost, Value, and Financial Hardship in Cancer Care: Implications for Pediatric Oncology

Cancer care in the United States faces a perfect storm: an aging population and expected increased cancer incidence, growing numbers of cancer survivors with ongoing care needs, and continued scientific advancements, offering extraordinary promise at extraordinary cost. How, then, do we as pediatric oncologists engage in the dialogue about cancer cost considerations? The purpose of this article and its accompanying session presented at the 2018 ASCO Annual Meeting is to introduce concepts of cost, value, and financial hardship. In the first section, we will provide an overview of principles of health economics, including components of cost, time horizon consideration, discounting, and methods to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness among therapeutic approaches. We will then introduce the value framework being debated in adult oncology and offer potential opportunities for its application in pediatric oncology. In the second section, we will describe the integration of the cost-effectiveness paradigm in an ongoing pediatric clinical trial, including design and analytic considerations. In the third section, we will shift away from cost to the health care system to cost to the patient, which is also termed "financial toxicity" or "financial hardship," focusing on the ongoing burden of cost on survivors of childhood cancer. Our goal is to provide our readers with the vocabulary and understanding of this complex and often thorny debate so that they can be active participants and informed advocates for their patients.