Financial Toxicity: Unveiling the Burden of Cancer Care on Patients in Rwanda.
Oncologist
; 29(3): e345-e350, 2024 Mar 04.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37897406
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% (nâ =â 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% (nâ =â 129/239) were diagnosed with advanced stage (stages III-IV). Financial burden was high; 44% (nâ =â 106/239) of respondents sold property, 29% (nâ =â 70/239) asked for charity from public, family, or friends, and 16% (nâ =â 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.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Neoplasias de la Mama
/
Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Oncologist
Asunto de la revista:
NEOPLASIAS
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Ruanda