Long-term financial outcomes and quality of life in partners of colorectal cancer survivors.

Authors

null

Christine M Veenstra

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Christine M Veenstra , Paul Abrahamse , Arden M. Morris , Sarah T. Hawley

Organizations

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Research Funding

U.S. National Institutes of Health
U.S. National Institutes of Health

Background: Many patients with colorectal cancer face financial toxicity, but little is known about financial outcomes among their partners. Moreover, virtually nothing is known about associations between partners’ quality of life and their financial outcomes. Methods: In 2019 we surveyed patients who, in 2014-18, underwent resection of Stage III colorectal cancer and were seen at a community oncology practice, an academic cancer center, or reported to Georgia SEER (current RR 46%). Patients gave a separate survey to their partner. 254 partners (68% RR) completed surveys. Partners were asked about financial impacts of the patient’s cancer. Partners’ quality of life (QOL) was measured with the PROMIS global health scale. Multivariable regression analyses of 3 partner-reported outcomes (1. Perception that their financial status is worse off, 2. Substantial worry about finances, 3. Debt related to patients’ cancer) were generated to assess associations between each outcome and key partner and patient variables, and associations between partners’ QOL and financial outcomes. Results: Among partners, 55% were < age 65, 64% female, 86% white, and 27% had < high school education. 61% were employed at time of patient’s diagnosis; 38% of those missed 7-30 days work and 13% missed > 1 month work due to the patient’s cancer. 66% patients were employed at diagnosis. Among those, 34% were no longer working at the time of survey. In 14% dyads only the patient was working at diagnosis and among those, 50% were no longer working at the time of survey. 32% partners reported their financial status is worse off, 36% reported substantial worry about finances, and 28% reported current debt, all due to the patient’s cancer. After adjustment for partner and patient variables, partners of patients further out from diagnosis and partners of patients who were working at diagnosis were more likely to report substantial worry. Partners < age 50, with <high school education, with >1 comorbid condition, and partners of patients who were working at diagnosis were more likely to report debt (all p < 0.05). Endorsing each of the 3 financial outcomes was associated with lower QOL among partners, after adjustment for partner and patient variables (all p < 0.01). Conclusions: Nearly 1/3 of partners of survivors of colorectal cancer reported long-term adverse financial outcomes due to the patient’s cancer. Partners of patients working at the time of diagnosis were more likely to report substantial worry and debt, perhaps because many patients who were working at diagnosis are no longer working in the survivorship period.

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Abstract Details

Meeting

2020 ASCO Virtual Scientific Program

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Health Services Research and Quality Improvement

Track

Quality Care/Health Services Research

Sub Track

Outcomes

Citation

J Clin Oncol 38: 2020 (suppl; abstr 7048)

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.7048

Abstract #

7048

Poster Bd #

320

Abstract Disclosures

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