Financial toxicity: a potential side effect of prostate cancer treatment among Australian men

• DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12392
• Publication Date: 2015-10-01T07:06:49Z
• Authors: L.G. Gordon; S.M. Walker; M.C. Mervin; A. Lowe; D.P. Smith; R.A. Gardiner; S.K. Chambers
• Keywords: Adult; Employment; Male; 330; 150; 610; out-of-pocket expenses; Nursing; Survivorship; medical costs; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Cost of Illness; Cancer Control; Health services and systems; Humans; Cancer Control, Survivorship, and Outcomes Research - Health Services, Economic and Health Policy Analyses; Aged; Retrospective Studies; Public health; and Outcomes Research - Health Services; Retirement; Australia; Prostatic Neoplasms; Oncology and carcinogenesis; Original Articles; Middle Aged; prostate cancer; 3. Good health; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cancer Type - Prostate Cancer; 2730 Oncology; Economic and Health Policy Analyses; Health Expenditures

The purpose of this study was to understand the extent, nature and variability current economic burden prostate cancer among Australian men. An online cross-sectional survey developed that combined pre-existing measures new questions. With few exceptions, viable acceptable participants. main outcomes were self-reported out-of-pocket costs diagnosis treatment, changes in employment status household finances. Men recruited from support groups throughout Australia. Descriptive statistical analyses undertaken. A total 289 men responded during April June 2013. Our found recently diagnosed (within 16 months survey) (n = 65) reported spending a median AU$8000 (interquartile range AU$14 000) for their treatment while 75% spent up AU$17 000 (2012). Twenty per cent all cost treating caused them 'a great deal' distress. findings suggest large medical with 5% $250 or less expenses some facing very high costs. On average, respondents paid at stated they had retired 4–5 years earlier than planned.