Cancer care's financial toxicity

Oncologist and health care executive Yousuf Zafar discusses his article, "When cancer costs too much: Why financial toxicity deserves a place in clinical conversations." Yousuf explains the concept of "financial toxicity," a severe burden caused by both direct medical bills and indirect costs (like time off work or child care) associated with cancer treatment. He reveals the sobering statistic that over forty percent of patients deplete their savings within two years, but emphasizes that this distress is more than just a financial problem: it directly compromises treatment adherence, forcing some to skip appointments or forgo prescriptions. Yousuf highlights the critical lack of cost transparency in oncology and makes the case for why clinicians must proactively screen for financial strain just as they would for physical side effects. Discover why these difficult conversations about the cost of cancer are essential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

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