Using Patient Surveys to Detect Financial Hardship in Young Cancer Patients

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer often encounter significant financial challenges, including out-of-pocket expenses, disruptions to their education or employment, and associated psychological stress. Recognizing and addressing this financial toxicity is crucial for holistic patient care. Researchers from Columbia University School of Nursing have developed a method to screen young cancer patients for financial hardship within clinical settings.

In their recent study published in JCO Oncology Practice on June 9, 2025, the team explored the feasibility of using electronic health record portals to administer financial screening surveys to AYAs. The survey targeted patients at an urban academic cancer center, involving responses from 286 AYAs with the help of their family caregivers. The findings revealed that 74% of these patients showed signs of financial toxicity, with higher prevalence among males, and individuals identifying as Black, Hispanic, Asian, or Spanish-speaking.

The study highlights the importance of developing equitable and tailored screening tools that account for the diverse backgrounds within this population. Effectively implementing such screening measures can aid clinicians in identifying patients who need financial support, enabling timely interventions. Given that AYAs often depend on family members for support, the study emphasizes the need for responsive and adaptable screening processes. Overall, this approach demonstrates that systematic financial screening is both feasible and essential in comprehensive cancer care for young patients.

For more details, the full study is available in JCO Oncology Practice, DOI: 10.1200/OP-24-00868. This initiative aims to improve financial resource allocation and reduce associated stress among young cancer patients.

[Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-surveys-patient-portal-screen-young.html]