1. Financial Toxicity in Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.
- Author
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Tesfaye EA, O'Neill RC, McGregor T, and Clemens MW
- Subjects
- Humans, Female, Adult, Middle Aged, Aged, Financial Stress, Cross-Sectional Studies, Quality of Life, Breast Implants adverse effects, Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic epidemiology, Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic etiology, Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic therapy, Breast Implantation adverse effects, Breast Neoplasms etiology, Breast Neoplasms surgery
- Abstract
Background: Financial toxicity is a growing concern due to its considerable effects on medical adherence, quality of life, and mortality. The cost associated with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is substantial from diagnosis to treatment, including adjuvant therapy and surgery. This study aims to assess the prevalence of financial toxicity in BIA-ALCL patients., Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, survey-based study on women with confirmed cases of BIA-ALCL from December 2019 to March 2023. The primary study outcomes were financial toxicity measured by Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) score and patient-reported financial burden measured by the responses to the Evaluation of the Financial Impact of BIA-ALCL survey. Lower COST scores signify higher financial toxicity. Responses were linked to patient data extracted from the medical records., Results: Thirty-two women treated for confirmed BIA-ALCL were included. Patients were all White and were diagnosed at a median age of 51 years (range, 41-65 years). The mean COST score was 27.9 ± 2.23. Lower COST scores were associated with receipt of radiotherapy ( P = 0.033), exceeding credit card limits ( P = 0.036), living paycheck to paycheck ( P = 0.00027), requiring financial support from friends and family ( P = 0.00044), and instability in household finances ( P = 0.034)., Conclusions: Financial toxicity is prevalent in BIA-ALCL patients and has a substantial impact on patient reported burden. Insurance denial is frequent for patients with a prior history of cosmetic augmentation. Risk assessments and cost discussions should occur throughout the care continuum to minimize financial burden., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest and sources of funding: none declared., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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