Financial Toxicity Among Older Mexican Adults With Cancer and Their Families: A Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Geriatrics
• Health Economics

Background:

• Financial toxicity (FT) is prevalent in high-income countries but understudied in developing nations.
• Older adults with cancer in developing countries face unique financial challenges.
• Limited data exists on the financial burden of cancer for older populations in Mexico.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the financial burden of cancer among older Mexican adults and their families.
• To identify factors that may alleviate the financial strain associated with cancer care.
• To explore the lived experiences of financial toxicity in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• Inclusion of patients aged 65+ with common malignancies and their relatives.
• Utilized validated scales (COST-FACIT, CFPB Financial Well-Being) and cost diaries, supplemented by focused interviews.

Main Results:

• A high percentage of patients reported mild to moderate financial toxicity (91%) and poor financial well-being (78%).
• Medication costs, including chemotherapy, were the primary drivers of expenses.
• Most patients and relatives incurred debt to cover cancer treatment costs.

Conclusions:

• Mexican older adults with cancer experience substantial financial toxicity and poor financial well-being.
• Addressing financial toxicity is essential for preventing catastrophic health expenditures.
• Further research and policy development are needed to support this vulnerable population.