Hidden costs and unmet supportive care needs among individuals with experience of breast cancer and their carers in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Background: The impact of cancer transcends physical health, affecting mental wellbeing, financial stability, and ability to perform daily tasks, influencing not only patients but also the broader community.

Methods: Online anonymous surveys (24/01/2023-03/03/2023) were disseminated via charities to individuals treated for breast cancer in the UK and their carers. Multivariable ordered logistic regression models were used to investigate demographic, cancer-related and employment factors associated with physical, wellbeing and financial Quality-of-Life (QoL).

Results: 470 and 136 participants reported primary (PBC) and metastatic (MBC) breast cancer, respectively. 27% PBC and 35% MBC participants reported experience of financial problems. 17% PBC and 47% MBC participants reported trouble fulfilling caring responsibilities at the time of survey completion. For PBC participants, reports of financial problems were associated with difficulties seeking help for physical or wellbeing issues, which were associated with worse physical and wellbeing QoL. Financial problems, and other challenges were more commonly reported among MBC participants. These factors may impact QoL similarly, so there was no evidence of specific explanatory factors for MBC participants.

Conclusions: Better understanding of wider impact of breast cancer could lead to better policy and support. Future clinical trials should incorporate more comprehensive assessment of breast cancer's wider effects.