Study shows financial impact of cancer diagnosis on working-age adults in the US

Study shows financial impact of cancer diagnosis on working-age adults in the US

A new study led by researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) highlights the lasting financial impact of a cancer diagnosis for many working-age adults and their families in the United States. It indicates a cancer diagnosis and the time required for treatment can result in employment interruption, loss of household income, and loss of work-related health insurance coverage, leading to financial hardship. Combined with high out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment, nearly 60% of working-age cancer survivors report at least one type of financial hardship, such as needing care due to cost. The results will be published today inCA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

While the rising costs of cancer treatment and the resulting medical financial distress for cancer survivors and families in the United States have been well documented, little attention has been paid to how a cancer diagnosis and treatment can impact employment and household income. “Because nearly half of cancer survivors are of working age and not yet eligible for Medicare coverage, it is critical to understand the potential impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on employment, income, and access to employer-based health insurance coverage.”

Dr. Robin Yabroff, senior study author, scientific vice president for health services research at the American Cancer Society

Study researchers used a composite patient case to illustrate the potential adverse consequences of cancer diagnosis and treatment, including work interruptions during cancer treatment, loss of income due to unpaid absence from work, and loss of access to work-related health insurance coverage if unable to maintain employment. The authors also summarize existing research and provide nationally representative estimates on multiple aspects of financial distress from 2019 to 2021, the most recent years available from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The NHIS collects information on health conditions, including but not limited to cancer diagnoses, health status, employment, health insurance, socioeconomic status, and health care experiences, of nearly 90,000 individuals in 35,000 households each year.

“There are opportunities for a variety of stakeholders to alleviate financial hardship and help patients with cancer and their families,” added Dr. Yabroff added. “Federal, state and local policies can increase the availability of comprehensive and affordable health insurance coverage and ensure job protection for working adults.”

“Today’s results highlight the critical role that access to affordable, quality care and paid family leave plays in reducing the financial impact of cancer for those diagnosed – particularly those of working age,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). "A majority of cancer patients and survivors (74%) say they are forced to miss work because of their illness, with most of them reporting not going to work for more than four weeks, according to an ACS-CAN study. No one should be forced to choose between two options." To truly protect patients from the high costs of cancer, Congress must establish paid family and medical leave and provide concrete options for affordable health insurance outside of employer-sponsored plans by making permanent the expanded Marketplace subsidies that allow millions who otherwise have no affordable insurance option to enroll in Marketplace plans.”

The study authors emphasize that employers, cancer care organizations and nonprofit organizations can also support efforts to help cancer patients avoid financial hardship. Employers can offer robust coverage and benefit options, paid and unpaid leave, and other company accommodations to reduce work interruptions and loss of income during cancer treatment. As part of cancer care, providers can screen patients for financial difficulties, connect patients with relevant services, and make referrals for occupational medicine, rehabilitation care, and physical therapy to facilitate return to work and normal activities during and after cancer treatment.

Other ACS authors involved in this study include: Jingxuan Zhao, Dr. Xuesong Han and Dr. Zhiyuan Zheng.

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