Impact of the Cost of Cancer Treatment: An Internet-Based Survey

Abstract

Purpose: Despite considerable discussion in the medical literature and lay press regarding the increasing cost of cancer care, there is limited information available on the perceived impact of treatment costs on individual patients and their families. Methods:To directly address this issue, patients with cancer who had participated in an Internet-based oncology decisionsupport program and agreed to receive information concerning potential future surveys were asked via e-mail to complete a questionnaire dealing with treatment-related medical expenses.

Financial toxicity: a potential side effect of prostate cancer treatment among Australian men

“…Our research complements two US‐based studies quantifying the personal cost of prostate cancer treatment to patients (Jayadevappa et al . 2010; Markman & Luce 2010). One found approximately 80% of patients with prostate cancer experienced average out‐of‐pocket costs of up to US$5000 (Markman & Luce 2010).…”

“…2010; Markman & Luce 2010). One found approximately 80% of patients with prostate cancer experienced average out‐of‐pocket costs of up to US$5000 (Markman & Luce 2010). However, cost varied with treatment type (Jayadevappa et al .…”

“…2010) and men felt reasonably comfortable in paying up to US$5000 in medical payments (Jayadevappa et al . 2010; Markman & Luce 2010). Economic burden covers the out‐of‐pocket medical and non‐medical expenses of receiving medical care, the impact on an individual's employment situation and on a caregiver's employment.…”

Self-Reported Financial Burden and Satisfaction With Care Among Patients With Cancer

“…Although the financial distress responses were dichotomized for analysis (with low burden including moderate financial burden based on natural cut lines), if anything, this would underestimate the effects of financial burden in this sample.The survey response rate was 32%, but this exploratory study focused on elderly cancer patients facing financial hardship. Surveying low-income or financially distressed populations is challenging, as shown by low response rates in other survey studies focused on these populations [14][15][16].…”

Therapies For Advanced CancersPose A Special Challenge For Health Technology Assessment Organizations In Many Countries

“…4 In addition, federal legislation and regulation have shielded oncology drugs from certain costcontrol strategies, such as limiting the flexibility of the Medicare Part D formulary in determining which cancer drugs the plans will cover. 5 In this context, how health technology assessment organizations consider cancer treatments is an important question, given the abundance of new high-priced therapies in oncology, 6 the growing health and economic burden of the disease, 7 and the proliferation of such organizations worldwide. 8 The organizations are charged with examining the clinical effectiveness and appropriateness of a given medical device, drug, or other therapy based on available data.…”