Adolescent and young adult cancer care: Financial hardship and continued uncertainty

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2019 Apr;66(4):e27587. doi: 10.1002/pbc.27587. Epub 2018 Dec 16.

Abstract

Since 2005, there has been a steady increase in the number of new cancer diagnoses among adolescents and young adults (AYA) in the United States (US), likely due to improved awareness and detection within this age group, as well as the possible contribution of insurance expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. AYAs with cancer remain highly vulnerable financially, a situation that will only worsen with proposed rollbacks in access to and affordability of healthcare. In this review, we will discuss existing aspects of financial hardship and highlight areas of uncertainty, based on the current US political climate.

Keywords: AYA cancer; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; financial hardship.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility / economics*
  • Humans
  • Insurance Coverage / economics*
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / economics*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act / economics*
  • United States
  • Young Adult