A Prospective Study on the Financial Impact of Breast Cancer Treatment over a 1-Year Period for Patients at a Rural Cancer Center
Christopher D Manko, Khadija Khan, Tyler Zlupko, Nathan Witteveen, Emily Thresher, Jennifer Panek, Apurva Inamdar, Jeremy Albright, Cynthia Perry-KeatyAbstract
Background:
Patients undergoing breast cancer treatment experience financial toxicity that can lead to stress and affect access to care. This study investigates the financial toxicity patients with breast cancer face.
Methods:
Change in level of self-reported financial toxicity was evaluated by determining the difference with the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity–Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT). The survey was administered at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months to patients undergoing treatment within a rural cancer center to understand patterns with financial toxicity. A higher score indicated less financial toxicity. Health insurance literacy data (at baseline and 1 year) and support services data (at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months) were also collected through survey distribution. Demographic data were also collected.
Results:
Among 102 patients, COST-FACIT scores significantly increased over the course of the year (
Discussion:
COST-FACIT scores were higher with treatment over time and if the patient was 65 years of age or over. Additional financial support may be beneficial to patients early on in their cancer treatment, as well as patients under the age of 65 years, although further work is needed.