Financial toxicity: a potential side effect of prostate cancer treatment among Australian men
Men recently diagnosed with prostate cancer reported a median out‑of‑pocket cost of AU$8,000 for treatment, with 75% spending up to AU$17,000.
An online cross‑sectional survey of 289 Australian men with prostate cancer assessed out‑of‑pocket expenses, employment changes and financial distress associated with treatment. Men recently diagnosed reported a median out‑of‑pocket cost of AU$8,000, and 75% spent up to AU$17,000. Those with private health insurance incurred double the costs of uninsured participants. The study highlights substantial variability and indicates that economic burden is a significant side effect of prostate cancer treatment.
This study demonstrates that prostate cancer treatment imposes considerable financial toxicity on patients, affecting their quality of life and potentially influencing treatment decisions. Understanding these costs is crucial for clinicians, patients, and policymakers to develop supportive interventions and equitable health policies.
Evidence level: Sejtvonalas. Laboratóriumi sejtekben vizsgálták.
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