Dr. Mateo Banegas - Financial Toxicity in Germ Cell Tumor Survivors | Testicular Cancer Conference 2024 presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Mateo Banegas - Financial Toxicity in Germ Cell Tumor Survivors | Testicular Cancer Conference 2024 presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals
At the 2024 Testicular Cancer Conference presented by Fennec Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Mateo Banegas, an associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine, presented on the financial hardships faced by cancer patients, with a focus on testicular cancer survivors. He began by sharing the story of "Ron," a father of eight who struggled financially after being diagnosed with advanced-stage testicular cancer. Ron's experience highlighted how cancer treatment can lead to significant financial strain, affecting not just the patient but their entire family.
Key Points:
Definition of Financial Hardship: Dr. Banegas defined it as the inability to pay for essential living expenses, impacting the health and welfare of both individuals and families.
Types of Financial Hardship:
Material Hardship: Direct out-of-pocket costs, loss of income due to reduced work hours or job loss.
Behavioral Hardship: Actions taken to cope with financial strain, such as skipping medical appointments, rationing medications, or taking out loans.
Psychological Hardship: Emotional stress, anxiety, and worry resulting from financial difficulties.
Impact on Quality of Life: Financial hardship affects all aspects of life, including work, family relationships, education, and overall well-being. Dr. Banegas cited studies showing that increased financial distress correlates with decreased quality of life in areas like job stability and physical health.
Testicular Cancer Survivors at Higher Risk: Factors such as younger age at diagnosis, being in the workforce, and supporting young families make testicular cancer survivors more susceptible to financial difficulties.
Current Interventions and Research: Dr. Banegas highlighted ongoing trials and interventions aimed at alleviating financial hardship, including:
◦ Financial Navigation Programs: Assisting patients with managing medical costs, understanding insurance, and accessing financial aid.
◦ Community Health Workers: Connecting patients to community resources.
◦ Policy-Level Changes: Advocating for reduced drug costs and improved access to care.
◦ Employment Support: Helping patients understand their rights and benefits in the workplace.
◦ Universal Cash Transfers: Providing patients with a monthly stipend to alleviate financial stress.
Strategies for Healthcare Providers:
◦ Awareness: Recognize that financial hardship is common among cancer patients.
◦ Proactive Inquiry: Routinely ask patients about financial concerns.
◦ Adjusting Care Plans: Tailor treatment to align with the patient's financial situation.
◦ Assistance: Provide warm handoffs to financial counselors, social workers, or relevant resources.
Complexity of Navigating Assistance: Dr. Benegas presented a case mapping the various forms of assistance a patient might need, illustrating the complexity and necessity of guidance through the process.
Dr. Banegas emphasized that financial hardship is a multifaceted issue requiring a proactive and comprehensive approach from healthcare systems. By integrating financial navigation and support into patient care, providers can significantly improve the quality of life and outcomes for cancer survivors. He called for continued research and the implementation of evidence-based solutions to address this critical aspect of cancer care.
The slides from Dr. Banegas’ presentation can be downloaded here. Please note that the PDF of his presentation does not include some animated functionalities.