Comparison of the Financial Burden of Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer With Other Cancer Survivors

Abstract

IMPORTANCE Head and neck cancer (HNC) is more common among socioeconomically disenfranchised individuals, making financial burden particularly relevant. OBJECTIVE To assess the financial burdens of HNC compared with other cancers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this retrospective review of nationally representative, publicly available survey, data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were extracted from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2015. A total of 444 867 adults were surveyed, which extrapolates to a population of 221 503 108 based on the weighted survey design. Data analysis was performed from April 18, 2018, to August 20, 2018. EXPOSURES Of 16 771 patients with cancer surveyed (weighted count of 10 083 586 patients), 489 reported HNC (weighted count of 261 631). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Patients with HNC were compared with patients with other cancers on demographics, income, employment, and health. Within the HNC group, risk factors for total medical expenses and relative out-of-pocket expenses were assessed with regression modeling. Complex sampling methods were accounted for with weighting using balanced repeated replication. RESULTS A total of 16 771 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.3 [18.9] years; 9006 [53.7%] female) with cancer were studied. Compared with patients with other cancers, patients with HNC were more often members of a minority race/ethnicity, male, poor, publicly insured, and less educated, with lower general and mental health status. Median annual medical expenses

Incidence, cost and gender differences of oropharyngeal and noncervical anogenital cancers in South Korea

“…(49%), respectively). The cost of oropharyngeal cancer was the highest among the five cancers, which is consistent with a previous study [29]. Oropharyngeal cancer is anatomically complex and difficult to operate compared to other cancers, and reconstruction may be added to restore function [30].…”

Clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with oral health‐related quality of life in survivors of head and neck cancer

“…Head and neck cancer is an important public health problem and its prevalence is higher in populations with lower socioeconomic status . The global incidence of lip, oral cavity and pharynx cancer was 529 500 new cases in 2012, corresponding to 3.8% of all cases of cancer throughout the world .…”

Head and neck survivorship care in the times of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic

“…This higher financial burden is placed upon HNC survivors who are already more often members of a minority race/ethnicity, poor, and less educated with lower general and mental health status. 24 With HNC patients already a vulnerable population, delaying treatment in the times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic can place additional strain on the mental health and QOL of patients, resulting in future burdens on the health care system. It is critical to help patients maintain their QOL through this pandemic as it may affect their overall outcomes of survival.…”