Financial impact of cancer: Findings from a population-based sample

Medical costs for cancer care have been rising rapidly, placing a greater burden on patients and their families, even for those with health insurance. Prior research has shown that individuals with greater financial burdens are more likely to delay or forgo medical care and may be less likely to adhere to treatments for cancer and other conditions.  Using new data from the MEPS EWC supplement, we found that the financial burden of cancer, including medical debt, problems paying medical bills, and bankruptcy was substantial.   Approximately 20% of cancer survivors reported any financial impact of cancer and about 23% ever worrying about paying large medical bills.  Patient characteristics, including younger age, non-white race/ethnicity, female gender, lack of health insurance, and more recent cancer treatment were associated with greater financial burden.