A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) has brought to light the long-term financial effects of a cancer diagnosis on many working-age adults and their families in the United States. The study reveals that a cancer diagnosis and the necessary treatment can lead to disruptions in employment, a decrease in household income, and loss of health insurance coverage provided by employers, ultimately resulting in financial difficulties.The treatment of cancer can cause problems with employment, loss of income, and loss of health insurance from work, leading to financial difficulties. When combined with the high costs of cancer care, nearly 60% of working-age cancer survivors experience some form of financial hardship, such as being unable to pay medical bills, feeling distressed and worried, or postponing necessary care because of the expenses. These findings were reported in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
“As the costs of cancer treatment continue to rise, cancer survivors and their families often face significant financial challenges.The United States has extensively studied the impact of cancer on families, but there has been little focus on how employment and household income can be influenced by a cancer diagnosis and treatment,” stated Dr. Robin Yabroff, scientific vice president, health services research at the American Cancer Society. “Given that almost half of cancer survivors are of working age and not yet eligible for Medicare, it is crucial to understand the potential impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on employment, income, and access to employer-based health insurance coverage.”
The study researchers created a hypothetical patient case to demonstrate the potential negative effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment on employment and income.The authors discuss the financial difficulties that can arise from a cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as disruptions in employment, loss of income from taking time off work, and losing access to health insurance provided by an employer. They also present data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2019-2021, which includes nationally representative estimates of the various financial challenges faced by cancer patients. The NHIS gathers information on health conditions, including cancer, as well as employment status, health insurance, and socioecono.mic status and experience with healthcare from nearly 90,000 individuals in 35,000 households each year.
Dr. Yabroff added, “There are opportunities for various stakeholders to help alleviate financial hardship and support cancer patients and their families. Federal, state, and local policies can improve access to comprehensive and affordable health insurance coverage and guarantee job protections for employed adults.”
“The results of today’s study emphasize the crucial role that access to affordable, high-quality care and paid family medical leave plays in reducing the financial burden of cancer on those who are diagnosed, particularly while they are.According to Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), a large number of cancer patients and survivors have had to miss work because of their illness. In fact, 74% of them reported having to miss work, with most of them missing more than four weeks, as per a study conducted by ACS CAN. Lacasse is of the opinion that no one should have to make a choice between their treatment and their job. In order to truly help patients deal with the high costs of cancer, Congress needs to implement paid family and medical leave, as well as offer affordable health coverage options outside of employer-sponsored plans by making the enhanced Marketplace subsidies permanent.The study authors highlight the importance of employers, cancer care groups, and non-profit organizations in supporting cancer patients to avoid financial difficulties. Employers can provide comprehensive coverage, benefits, and workplace accommodations to help reduce income loss during cancer treatment. Within cancer care delivery, providers can screen patients for financial hardship, connect them with relevant services, and make referrals for workplace support. These efforts aim to assist millions of people who lack affordable coverage options to enroll in Marketplace plans.The use of medicine, rehabilitation care, and physical therapy is important for helping cancer patients return to work and normal activities both during and after treatment. Other authors of the study conducted by ACS are Jingxuan Zhao, Dr. Xuesong Han, and Dr. Zhiyuan Zheng.
