Financial Toxicity Across the Thyroid Cancer Care Continuum: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Thyroid cancer (TC) is rising globally.
• Financial toxicity (FT) is a growing concern in cancer care.
• Understanding FT in TC patients is crucial for supportive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review financial toxicity in thyroid cancer patients.
• To identify factors contributing to financial toxicity across the care continuum.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of peer-reviewed studies (1995-2024).
• Searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus.
• Included studies on subjective and objective FT outcomes.

Main Results:

• 13 studies met inclusion criteria; 9 reported subjective FT (16-47% prevalence).
• Younger age, lack of insurance, minority status, and lower income increased FT.
• TC patients showed higher out-of-pocket costs and bankruptcy rates.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid cancer patients experience significant financial toxicity, especially vulnerable groups.
• Addressing FT necessitates financial counseling, comprehensive insurance, and employer support.
• Further research on financial implications of TC care pathways is needed.