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Characterizing online crowdfunding campaigns for patients with kidney cancer
Hannah S Thomas1,2, Austin W Lee2, Behnam Nabavizadeh2
1University of Edinburgh School of Medicine, Edinburgh, UK.
Background:
Cancer patients incur high care costs; however, there is a paucity of literature characterizing unmet financial obligations for patients with urologic cancers. Kidney cancer patients are particularly burdened by costs associated with novel systemic treatments. This study aimed to ascertain the characteristics of GoFundMe® crowdfunding campaigns for patients with kidney cancer, in order to better understand the financial needs of this population.
Methods:
We performed a cross-sectional, quantitative, and qualitative analysis of all kidney cancer GoFundMe® campaigns since 2010. Fundraising metrics such as goal funds and amount raised, were extracted. Eight independent investigators collected patient, disease and campaign-level variables from campaign stories (κ = 0.72). In addition, we performed a content analysis of campaign narratives spotlighting the primary appeal of the patient's life story.
Results:
A total of 486 GoFundMe® kidney cancer campaigns were reviewed. The median goal funds were 10,000USD [IQR = 5000, 20,000] and the median amount raised was 1450USD [IQR = 578, 4050]. Most campaigns were for adult males (53%) and 62% of adults had children. A minority were for pediatric patients (17%). Thirty-seven percent of adult patients were primary wage earners and 43% reported losing their job or substantially reducing hours due to illness. Twenty-nine percent reported no insurance or insufficient coverage. Campaigns most frequently sought funds for medical bills (60%), nonmedical bills (27%), and medical travel (23%). Qualitative campaign narratives mostly emphasized patients' hardship (46.3%) or high moral character (35.2%). Only 8% of campaigns achieved their target funds.
Conclusions:
Despite fundraising efforts, patients with kidney cancer face persistent financial barriers, incurring both medical and nonmedical cost burdens. This may be compounded by limited or no insurance. Cancer care providers should be aware of financial constraints placed on kidney cancer patients, and consider how these may impact treatment regimens.
Insights
Kidney cancer patients often use crowdfunding to cover high medical and non-medical costs, but most campaigns fall short of their financial goals. This highlights significant unmet financial needs in cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Economics
- Medical Social Work
Background:
- Cancer patients face substantial financial burdens, particularly those with urologic cancers.
- Kidney cancer patients are significantly impacted by the costs of novel systemic treatments.
- There is limited research on the financial obligations of urologic cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize GoFundMe® crowdfunding campaigns for kidney cancer patients.
- To understand the financial needs and challenges faced by this patient population.
- To analyze fundraising metrics and narrative themes in kidney cancer crowdfunding.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, quantitative, and qualitative analysis of kidney cancer GoFundMe® campaigns since 2010.
- Extraction of fundraising metrics (goal funds, amount raised).
- Content analysis of campaign narratives and patient/disease variables by eight investigators.
Main Results:
- 486 campaigns reviewed; median goal $10,000, median raised $1,450.
- Most campaigns were for adult males (53%) with children (62%); 17% were for pediatric patients.
- Common appeals were for medical bills (60%), non-medical bills (27%), and travel (23%); only 8% met goals.
Conclusions:
- Kidney cancer patients encounter persistent financial barriers, including medical and non-medical costs.
- Limited or no insurance coverage exacerbates financial difficulties for these patients.
- Healthcare providers should recognize these financial constraints and their potential impact on treatment.
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