by
Janet S. de Moor;
Emily C. Dowling;
Donatus U. Ekwueme;
Gery P. Guy;
Juan Rodriguez;
Katherine S Virgo;
Xuesong Han;
Erin E. Kent;
Chunyu Li;
Kristen Litzelman;
Timothy S. McNeel;
Benmei Liu;
K. Robin Yabroff
Purpose: Previous research describing how informal cancer caregiving impacts employment has been conducted in small samples or a single disease site. This paper provides population-based estimates of the effect of informal cancer caregiving on employment and characterizes employment changes made by caregivers. Methods: The samples included cancer survivors with a friend or family caregiver, participating in either the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Experiences with Cancer Survivorship Survey (ECSS) (n = 458) or the LIVESTRONG 2012 Survey for People Affected by Cancer (SPAC) (n = 4706). Descriptive statistics characterized the sample of survivors and their caregivers’ employment changes. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of caregivers’ extended employment changes, comprising time off and changes to hours, duties, or employment status. Results: Among survivors with an informal caregiver, 25 % from the ECSS and 29 % from the SPAC reported that their caregivers made extended employment changes. Approximately 8 % of survivors had caregivers who took time off from work lasting ≥2 months. Caregivers who made extended employment changes were more likely to care for survivors: treated with chemotherapy or transplant; closer to diagnosis or end of treatment; who experienced functional limitations; and made work changes due to cancer themselves compared to caregivers who did not make extended employment changes. Conclusions: Many informal cancer caregivers make employment changes to provide care during survivors’ treatment and recovery. Implications for cancer survivors: This study describes cancer caregiving in a prevalent sample of cancer survivors, thereby reflecting the experiences of individuals with many different cancer types and places in the cancer treatment trajectory.
by
Matthew P. Banegas;
Jennifer L. Schneider;
Alison J. Firemark;
John F. Dickerson;
Erin E. Kent;
Janet S. de Moor;
Katherine S Virgo;
Gery P. Guy;
Donatus U. Ekwueme;
Zhiyuan Zheng;
Alexandra M. Varga;
Lisa A. Waiwaiole;
Stephanie M. Nutt;
Aditi Narayan;
K. Robin Yabroff
Purpose: To assess the financial outcomes and associated social and economic effects on cancer survivors and their families.
Methods: We assessed the responses of 1656 cancer survivors to a survey with both closed- and open-ended questions about cancer-related financial sacrifices they and their family experienced and evaluated differences in financial sacrifice by reported levels of cancer-related debt.
Results: The most commonly reported financial sacrifices included cutbacks on household budgets, challenges with health care insurance and costs, career/self-advancement constraints, reduction/depletion of assets, and inability to pay bills. Survivors who incurred $10,000 or more in debt were significantly more likely to report social and economic impacts, including housing concerns and strained relationships.
Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates both the frequency with which cancer survivors and families must make financial sacrifices as a result of their cancer, and the variety of forms that this sacrifice can take, even for individuals who have health insurance. The many types of financial hardship create challenges that are unique to each survivor and family.
Implications for Cancer Survivors: Interventions that allow for personalized assistance with the specific financial and social needs of cancer survivors and their families have the potential to address a critical aspect of the long-term wellbeing of this important population.