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صفحه اصلی
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اولین کنگره بین المللی رویکردهای نوین سبک زندگی، پیشگیری و درمان سرطان
A Poison as Perilous as Cancer: Pediatric Cancer and the Financial Toxicity Faced by Parents
نویسندگان :
Zahra Shahkolahi (دانشگاه علوم پزشکی اصفهان)
کلمات کلیدی :
Financial toxicity،Neoplasm،Child،Cost of illness،Parents
چکیده :
Introduction: In the sphere of pediatric oncology, where the battle against childhood cancer unfolds, a profound and complex challenge looms the concept of "financial toxicity." Financial toxicity occurs when patients, families, and households experience “financial burden and distress” as a result of their healthcare expenses. However, the concept of financial toxicity has not been extensively explored in pediatric oncology. Recent research suggests that financial toxicity is not exclusive to adult cancer patients and may occur in pediatric oncology and persist even beyond the active treatment phase, affecting survivorship or bereavement. The aim of this study is to investigate and assess the presence of financial toxicity in the context of pediatric oncology. Method: To answer the research question, a literature review was conducted. This review encompassed relevant studies related to the financial challenges faced by parents and caregivers of children with cancer, with a specific focus on the psycho-social and economic aspects of this burden. Results: The findings of recent studies imply that financial toxicity occurs in pediatric oncology and can persist beyond the active treatment phase into survivorship or bereavement. pediatric cancer imposes substantial direct and indirect costs on families. Direct costs encompass out-of-pocket expenses, with travel-related costs being a significant contributor, especially for families residing far from treatment centers. Indirect costs involve disruptions in parental employment, often leading to one parent leaving paid work to care for the child. However, the ramifications of this financial burden extend beyond monetary considerations and entail somatic and psychological tolls. These stress-related symptoms (anxiety, depression, fatigue, cognitive impairments, and post-traumatic stress) intensify parents’ symptom burden and suffering. In response to these formidable challenges, parents often resort to financial coping mechanisms, inadvertently jeopardizing their own health and well-being. Remarkably, the shadow of financial toxicity persists even after the active treatment phase. The results show that parents grapple with workforce re-entry difficulties, perpetuating financial distress. Importantly, lower family incomes may also wield influence over children's health outcomes, potentially resulting in suboptimal medication adherence and compromised medical outcomes Conclusion: In conclusion, financial toxicity is a problem in pediatric oncology that occurs due to the financial burden for the families of affected children during and after cancer treatment and the related negative consequences affecting the quality of life and emotional health of parents. It underscores the imperative for recognition and concerted action, calling for the development of targeted interventions, support systems (including both governmental and charitable supports), assessment of risk for financial hardship (such as per-existing low-income or financial hardship, single-parent status, distance from the treating center), and policy reforms to alleviate the financial toxicity experienced by families navigating the challenging landscape of pediatric cancer. It is also essential that longitudinal reassessment and intervention occur throughout the cancer treatment trajectory and into survivorship or bereavement.
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