Medical Debt Often Persists After Cancer Diagnosis, Study Finds

A recent study published online on August 28 in JAMA Oncology reveals that small amounts of medical debt remain in collections for years following a cancer diagnosis. The research highlights that even modest debt can linger, affecting patients long-term. Researchers examined nearly all individuals diagnosed with cancer in Massachusetts between 2010 and 2019 and compared their financial outcomes to a control group matched for demographic and socioeconomic factors.

The findings showed that, six years post-diagnosis, there was an average increase of $15.45 in medical debt in collections among cancer patients. Interestingly, there were no significant changes in overall total debt, total debt in collections, credit scores, or bankruptcy rates after diagnosis. However, specific cancer types such as colorectal and bladder cancer experienced larger increases, with additional debt in collections amounting to approximately $155.55 and $375.77, respectively.

The study underscores the importance of incorporating financial considerations into cancer care. The authors emphasize that financial hardships, such as medical debt, can limit access to ongoing treatment and are associated with worse health outcomes. They advocate for the implementation of financial assistance programs aimed at preventing the buildup of debt during and after cancer treatment.

These insights suggest that addressing financial toxicity should be a priority in oncology care, and better support systems are needed to help patients avoid long-term financial burdens. Source: MedicalXpress.