Financial Toxicity Among Long-Term Prostate Cancer Survivors-Results From a Population-Based Cohort

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Economics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Financial toxicity, encompassing objective and subjective financial burdens, is a significant concern for patients undergoing medical treatment.
• Understanding the factors contributing to financial toxicity is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between objective financial toxicity and socioeconomic, clinical, and treatment-related factors in prostate cancer patients.
• To identify specific risk factors for financial toxicity among long-term prostate cancer survivors.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study (North Carolina Prostate Cancer Comparative Effectiveness and Survivorship Study - NC ProCESS) of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients.
• Financial toxicity assessed 8-10 years post-treatment using National Health Interview Survey questions.
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine associations between financial toxicity and covariates.

Main Results:

• Black race (OR 1.93) and annual household income < $90,000 (P < .01) were significantly associated with higher odds of financial toxicity.
• No significant association was found between cancer recurrence and financial toxicity (OR 1.25).
• The study included a diverse cohort of 547 White and Black patients, with 22.9% identifying as Black and 21.4% residing in rural areas.

Conclusions:

• Among long-term prostate cancer survivors, race and income are significant predictors of financial toxicity.
• Findings highlight the need for patient- and policy-level interventions to mitigate financial toxicity and enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors.