Financial Quality of Life for Patients With Cancer: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

For people who are experiencing financial hardship, a cancer diagnosis can be devastating. For others, cancer may exacerbate financial stress, thereby influencing their livelihood, their ability to maintain employment benefits including health insurance, manage financial obligations, and participate meaningfully in cancer treatment. This study examined how vulnerabilities in psychosocial situations affect financial quality of life within the larger context of health-care decision making through a survey conducted with a cross-sectional availability sample of 90 cancer patients. Results from the multiple regression analysis found that health insurance adequacy, fewer perceived barriers to care, and reduced financial stress are significant predictors of better financial quality of life in this sample. Oncology social workers and other disciplines involved in psychosocial treatment with patients with cancer must assess and address financial and logistic aspects of life in order to provide comprehensive cancer care that meets all needs. Collaborative coordination with patients with cancer and their families to intervene psychosocially, medically, and financially are critical components of sound psychosocial and medical practice.

Is There a Difference in The “Out-Of-Pocket” Costs of Cancer Treatment When Comparing Patients From The Brazilian National Health System With Patients Enrolled in Clinical Research Protocols?

“…Our study population was mostly female (61%), with a mean age older than 50 years, ndings that are consistent with those in other studies involving patients with cancer [6, [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. There was greater participation by individuals who reported being white (60%), although the majority of the Brazilian population self-reports as black [20].…”

Participation of relatives in the care of cancer patients in hospital-A scoping review

“…It is estimated that by 2020, the costs will increase by about EUR 1.5 billion per year in Finland (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, ). In addition to this, it is difficult to estimate the costs of a decreased quality of life and its consequences (Callahan & Brintzenhofeszoc, ).…”

Development of cancer support services for patients and their close ones from the Cancer Society of Finland’s perspective

“…Many people do not know what financial benefits they are entitled to, even though some of them have difficulties in paying for food and medicine. According to our participants, patients should receive better guidance on financial support, for example, from social workers-a conclusion that has also been drawn in research into other long-term illnesses (Aaltonen, 2017;Cahallan & Brintzenho-Feszoc, 2015). As a solution, participants suggested that healthcare professionals adopt a more holistic view of patients (Evertsen & Wolkenstein, 2010) and refer them more often to special professionals.…”