Financial and family burden associated with cancer treatment in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

These results suggest the financial burden is problematic for 20% of this sample. The caregivers' lost time from work influence this burden, and for 36% of this sample, it amounts to one third of their working days in any given month. Policies and programs to address these gaps are needed.

Feasibility of Assessing Patient Health Benefits and Incurred Costs Resulting from Early Dysphagia Intervention during and Immediately after Chemoradiotherapy for Head-and-Neck Cancer

“…Our study sought preliminary information about outof-pocket patient costs, an outcome that has not previously been reported in hnc. Out-of-pocket expenses reported by our patients were higher than those reported for adult patients with other solid tumours 11,19 . However, lost time from work among our study patients was similar to time lost by breast cancer patients 29,30 .…”

“…To explore out-of-pocket costs incurred by hnc patients, we noted and compared the responses to p-safe items by study patients with published data from other adult patients treated in Ontario for cancers other than hnc 11,19 .…”

“…In the present study, we also assessed longitudinal changes in health, qol, overall utility, and out-of-pocket costs before, during, and up to 3 months after treatment. Costs incurred by study patients and their families were compared with costs previously obtained for patients with cancers other than hnc treated in Ontario 11 .…”

Changes in Economic Status of Households Associated with Catastrophic Health Expenditures for Cancer in South Korea

“…A recent telephone interview study of 453 Canadian breast cancer patients who worked during cancer treatment showed a 27% average reduction in earned wages in the first year following a cancer diagnosis (Lauzier et al, 2008). In addition, family members may have to reduce paid work to accommodate treatment schedules, emotional needs, and other demands, such as providing support and care for the family member receiving treatment (Longo et al, 2006). Family caregivers of terminal cancer patients suffer job loss and severe work-related difficulties, probably due to caregiving itself and to fatigue (Kim et al, 2013).…”

“…Time after cancer diagnosis plays a role in the financial burden in households as well; other studies have provided evidence that both direct and indirect factors contribute to patient costs (Houts et al, 1984;Stommel et al, 1993;Guidry et al, 1998;Longo et al, 2006). However, there are very few studies that have investigated the impact of direct or indirect medical expenses and change in economic status on the household and their relationship to catastrophic health expenditure.…”