Being diagnosed with any type of cancer is devastating, but a malignant mesothelioma diagnosis is catastrophic. The rare asbestos-related disease is always considered terminal, and the only way to extend survival is through treatment options that are extremely expensive. Though cost should be the last consideration when it comes to health, a recent analysis of cancer survivors showed that financial hardship had a significant association with premature death.
Mesothelioma Patients’ Experience Supports American Cancer Society Study
Every mesothelioma patient is faced with important decisions about how to move forward once they have been diagnosed. Though overall health, the stage of their cancer, and quality of life are all obvious considerations, so too is the cost of treatment. The study conducted by researchers from the American Cancer Society and published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that some patients may opt out of treatment based on costs.
Says study co-author K. Robin Yabroff, PhD, MBA, “Cancer survivors frequently experience medical financial hardship; however, little research has examined its associations with long-term health consequences. Our findings show the need to address financial hardship to ensure that cancer survivors do not delay or forgo necessary care because they cannot afford it.”
Mesothelioma Patients Face Significant Financial Stress
As is true of patients diagnosed with other types of cancer, patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma undergo significant financial hardship. According to Julie Gralow, MD, chief medical officer for the American Society for Clinical Oncology, “There is no question that financial hardship following a diagnosis of cancer can have a profound detrimental effect on patients and survivors. This study found a correlation between those reporting medical financial hardship and mortality. Assuring adequate healthcare coverage that limits out-of-pocket costs — limiting ‘financial toxicity’ — is an important goal.”
Assisting those with malignant mesothelioma to find the resources they need is just one way that the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
