AI Article Synopsis
- - Cancer is a significant public health issue in Rwanda and other low- and middle-income countries, with rising treatment costs leading to financial burdens for patients, prompting this study to examine the financial toxicity associated with cancer care in Rwanda.
- - Conducted over six months at three referral hospitals, the study involved interviews with 239 cancer patients (mostly women over 50) to identify the sources of their financial strain while undergoing treatment for various types of cancer.
- - Results indicated that many patients faced severe financial challenges; 44% sold property, 29% sought charity, and 16% took loans to afford treatment, highlighting the need for new health financing solutions to improve access to affordable cancer care.
Article Abstract
Introduction: Cancer is a major public health problem in Rwanda and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While there have been some improvements in access to cancer treatment, the cost of care has increased, leading to financial toxicity and treatment barriers for many patients. This study explores the financial toxicity of cancer care in Rwanda.
Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 referral hospitals in Rwanda, which deliver most of the country's cancer care. Data were collected over 6 months from June 1 to December 1, 2022 by trained research assistants (RAs) using a modified validated data collection tool. RAs interviewed consecutive eligible patients with breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who were on active systemic therapy. The study aimed to identify sources of financial burden. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: 239 patients were included; 75% (n = 180/239) were female and mean age was 51 years. Breast, cervix, and colorectal cancers were the most common diagnoses (42%, 100/239; 24%, 58/239; and 24%, 57/239, respectively) and 54% (n = 129/239) were diagnosed with advanced stage (stages III-IV). Financial burden was high; 44% (n = 106/239) of respondents sold property, 29% (n = 70/239) asked for charity from public, family, or friends, and 16% (n = 37/239) took loans with interest to fund cancer treatment.
Conclusion: Despite health insurance which covers many elements of cancer care, a substantial proportion of patients on anti-cancer treatment in Rwanda experience major financial toxicity. Novel health financing solutions are needed to ensure accessible and affordable cancer care.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10911921 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oncolo/oyad291 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Unveiling Sociocultural Barriers to Breast Cancer Awareness Among the South Asian Population: Case Study of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.
JMIR Hum Factors
January 2025
New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL, United States.
Background: Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, are 2 densely populated South Asian neighboring regions with many socioeconomic and cultural similarities. In dealing with breast cancer (BC)-related issues, statistics show that people from these regions are having similar problems and fates. According to the Global Cancer Statistics 2020 and 2012 reports, for BC (particularly female BC), the age-standardized incidence rate is approximately 22 to 25 per 100,000 people, and the age-standardized mortality rate is approximately 11 to 13 per 100,000 for these areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA Survey of Sedation Practices for Adolescents and Young Adults With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Undergoing Lumbar Puncture.
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol
January 2025
Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College.
Purpose: Lumbar puncture is a frequently performed procedure for patients undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This brief procedure is frequently performed with sedation in young patients but with only local anesthesia in adults. Adolescent and young adult patients may be cared for by physicians with different training backgrounds and sedation preferences, making the utilization of sedation for lumbar punctures variable among providers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAre we ready for self-sampling for cervical cancer screening? Insights from service providers and policy makers in Nepal.
PLOS Glob Public Health
January 2025
Britain Nepal Medical Trust, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), London, United Kingdom.
Cervical cancer is the leading cancer among women in Nepal, but the country has very low screening rate, with only 8.2% of women being screened. In recent years, a self-sampling kit for testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been developed to allow self-sampling and enable early detection of cervical abnormalities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground & Aims: This systematic literature review of qualitative findings aims to identify the perceived barriers and enablers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance from patient and clinician perspectives.
Methods: A systematic search of databases using key term combinations with the following inclusion criteria: 1) qualitative and quantitative (survey) studies exploring barriers and enablers of HCC surveillance, and 2) qualitative and quantitative (survey) studies exploring barriers and enablers of enagagement in clinical care for patients with cirrhosis and/or viral hepatitis.
Results: The search returned 445 citations: 371 did not meet the study criteria and were excluded.
Refractory small cell lung cancer with pancreatic metastasis: A case report.
Medicine (Baltimore)
January 2025
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, Hohhot, China.
Rationale: The occurrence of refractory small cell lung cancer (rSCLC) with pancreatic metastasis is a relatively rare clinical condition, which is typically accompanied by a poor prognosis and rapid disease progression.
Patient Concerns: A 65-year-old male farmer from China was diagnosed with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) 8 months ago. Following 6 cycles of EP chemotherapy, the patient's tumor response showed partial relief.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!