Implications of financial toxicity in the lives of cancer patients: a reflection

Abstract

Objective To reflect on the understanding of financial toxicity, as an adverse event of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and its implications on the quality of life of these patients. Method Reflexive study, based on the international literature about the concept of financial toxicity and its relationship with quality of life. Results Financial toxicity is related to the financial difficulties associated with cancer and its treatment, which occur in the lives of patients and family members. Its consequences include: possible worsening of the clinical symptoms, indebtedness, loss of professional opportunities, changes in family habits and decline in quality of life. Final considerations Measures to minimize financial toxicity should also be a concern of the state and be part of the therapeutic itinerary of cancer patients. Dialogue can become an essential tool for the health team to clarify the therapeutic options and their costs. This attitude shows respect and preserves the patient’s autonomy, which can minimize the feeling of helplessness in the face of the disease.

Calidad de vida y toxicidad financiera de los receptores de trasplantes de células madre hematopoyéticas en COVID-19

“…La pandemia también agravó las situaciones comúnmente descritas como consecuencias de la toxicidad financiera: la primera fue el empeoramiento de la ansiedad y la depresión, y la segunda, la no adherencia o abandono del tratamiento como forma de minimizar pérdidas financieras (20) .…”

“…Esto demuestra que la pandemia impactó en cuestiones relacionadas con las relaciones sociales y actividades laborales, impactando en la CV y pudiendo generar o intensificar toxicidad financiera en los pacientes trasplantados. Los estudios indican que cuestiones relacionadas con la toxicidad financiera, como la preocupación por el regreso al trabajo y las dificultades financieras, impactan el bienestar físico y psicológico de los pacientes en el período posterior al TCMH (18)(19) y pueden influir en la continuidad y adherencia al tratamiento (20) .…”

Qualidade de vida e toxicidade financeira dos transplantados de células-tronco hematopoéticas na COVID-19

“…O distanciamento social, a quarentena prolongada, o isolamento em casa devido ao risco de contaminação, o longo período de tratamento, a indisposição devido aos efeitos colaterais, a incompatibilidade de horário entre as consultas e o trabalho, são motivações que possivelmente aumentaram as chances de desemprego (15) e impactaram na qualidade de vida. A pandemia também agravou as situações comumente descritas como consequências da toxicidade financeira: a primeira foi a piora dos quadros de ansiedade e de depressão; a segunda, a não aderência ou a desistência do tratamento como forma de minimizar as perdas financeiras (20) . (21)(22) , além de autorizados mediante registro e disponibilizados por e-mail aos pesquisadores.…”

“…O estudo (36) TCTH (18)(19) ; além do mais podem influenciar a continuidade e a adesão ao tratamento (20) .…”

Quality of life and financial toxicity of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in COVID-19

“…Social distancing, prolonged quarantine, isolation at home due to the risk of contamination, long treatment period, indisposition due to side effects, time incompatibility between consultations and work possibly increased the chances of unemployment ( 15 ) and impact on quality of life. The pandemic also aggravated the situations commonly described as consequences of financial toxicity: the first was the worsening of anxiety and depression and the second was non-adherence or withdrawal from treatment as a way to minimize financial losses ( 20 ) .…”