Financial distress in testicular cancer survivors and its impact on cancer survivors´ quality of life in the German health care system.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Testicular cancer accounts for the largest proportion of solid tumors in young adult men. With an average age of onset under 40 years and a relative 5-year survival of 97%, it is one of the prognostically favorable tumors. Little is known about the relationship between the financial burden and physical and emotional health of testicular cancer survivors. We examined the association between financial problems caused by cancer and the self-reported quality of life in a cohort-based sample of testicular cancer patients. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of testicular cancer patients (n = 87, average age 39 years) was performed. Self-reported data were collected on demographics, income, wealth, cost-coping strategies, out-of-pocket costs, supportive medication compliance, quality of life and perceived social isolation. A multivariable regression model was used to examine the relationship between the degree to which cancer caused financial burdens and the patients´ reported quality of life. RESULTS The survey showed that, in addition to illness-related additional expenses, a disease-related loss of income can lead to severe financial disadvantages and impair quality of life. The study data show that concerns about the economic situation can increase the burden on patients which already results from cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this patient cohort, 32% reported financial stress. CONCLUSION Financial distress affects testicular cancer survivors in unique ways. To provide support, health professionals should consider survivors´ developmental life stage to understand their financial stress, and ultimately, to improve quality of life.