Younger patients with colon cancer are more likely to experience financial toxicity than older patients Journal Article


Authors: Hakki, L.; Khan, A.; Ehrich, F.; Thompson, H. M.; Sokolowski, S.; Gönen, M.; Aviki, E. M.; Weiser, M. R.
Article Title: Younger patients with colon cancer are more likely to experience financial toxicity than older patients
Abstract: Background: The incidence of young-onset colon cancer is increasing. This study investigated the extent to which financial hardships associated with colon cancer care are associated with patient age. Methods: A consecutive sample of patients with non-metastatic colon cancer who underwent resection at a comprehensive cancer center between 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively enrolled from a clinical database. Patients with one or more of the following events associated with their colon cancer care were categorized as having experienced financial toxicity: two or more bills sent to collections, application for a payment plan, settlement, bankruptcy, or enrollment in a financial assistance program. Results: Of 764 patients identified, 157 (21 %) experienced financial toxicity. In a univariable analysis, financial toxicity was significantly associated with younger age, female sex, nonpartnered marital status, and median income by ZIP code area (p < 0.05). A multivariable analysis showed that with each 10-year decrease in patient age, the odds of financial toxicity increased by 30 % (odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.14–1.48). With each $50,000 decrease in median income by ZIP code area, the odds of financial toxicity increased by 35 % (OR, 1.35; 95 % CI, 1.05–1.74). Conclusions: Younger patients with colon cancer are at greater risk for financial toxicity than older patients. As this population continues to grow, so will the need for timely and effective financial support mechanisms. © 2023, Society of Surgical Oncology.
Keywords: adult; controlled study; aged; cancer surgery; retrospective studies; major clinical study; cancer patient; prevalence; colonic neoplasms; cohort analysis; retrospective study; financial management; cancer center; colon cancer; colon tumor; marriage; factual database; databases, factual; income; humans; human; male; female; article; financial distress; financial stress
Journal Title: Annals of Surgical Oncology
Volume: 30
Issue: 11
ISSN: 1068-9265
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2023-10-01
Start Page: 6837
End Page: 6842
Language: English
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13911-8
PUBMED: 37479844
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC10527083
DOI/URL:
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledged in the PDF -- Corresponding author is MSK author: Martin R. Weiser -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Mithat Gonen
    1031 Gonen
  2. Martin R Weiser
    539 Weiser
  3. Emeline Mariam Aviki
    81 Aviki
  4. Asama Khan
    12 Khan
  5. Fiona Donovan Ehrich
    10 Ehrich
  6. Lynn Hakki
    12 Hakki