Factors contributing to financial distress in young adults with cancer: Material resources, health, and workplace

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Robert, Rhonda^{a; *} | Andersen, Clark R.^a | Murphy, Kathleen M.^b | Granger, Teresa A.^c | Scardaville, Melissa C.^b | Medina-George, Sandra A.^a | Nguyen, Vinh^d | Frieden, Lex M.^{d; e}

Affiliations: [a] MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA | [b] American Institutes for Research, Arlington, VA, USA | [c] Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA | [d] Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA | [e] University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Rhonda Robert, PhD, Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Unit 0087, Room B8.4409, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. E-mail: rrobert@mdanderson.org; ORCID: 0000-0002-8123-9085.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Financial distress is a primary concern for young adults with cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify material resources, physical and psychological health, and workplace variables that are associated with financial distress in young adult cancer survivors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Cancer Survivor Employment Needs Survey. Participants were young adults (18–39 years of age) who lived in the United States and had a cancer diagnosis. Multivariable linear regression was used to model relations between financial distress and material resources, physical and psychological health, and workplace variables. RESULTS: Participants (N = 214) were mostly non-Hispanic White (78%), female (79%), and had a mean age of 31 years and 4.6 years post-diagnosis. Material resources, physical and psychological health, and workplace variables were all identified as contributing to study participants’ financial distress. Among the young adults surveyed, financial distress was prevalent, and an array of problems were associated with financial distress. CONCLUSION: Oncology and rehabilitation providers should openly discuss finances with YAs with cancer and guide them to resources that can address their financial, benefits, and vocational needs to ultimately improve quality of life.

Keywords: Young adults, financial distress, financial burden, cancer, oncology, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220687

Journal: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 197-209, 2024