Do patients with haematological malignancies suffer financial burden? A cross-sectional study of patients seeking care through a publicly funded healthcare system

Background: It is increasingly appreciated that some patients with cancer will experience financial burden due to their disease but little is known specifically about patients with haematological malignancies. Therefore, this study aimed to measure financial toxicity experienced by patients with haematological malignancies in the context of a publicly funded health care system. Method: All current patients diagnosed with leukaemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma, from two major metropolitan health services in Melbourne, Australia were invited to complete a survey capturing; patient demographics, employment status, income sources, financial coping and insurances, OOP expenses and self-reported financial toxicity using a validated measure. Results: Of the 240 people approached, 113 (47 %) participated and most had leukaemia (62 %). Forty-seven participants (42 %) experienced some degree of financial toxicity using the Comprehensive Score for financial toxicity (COST) instrument. On multivariate linear regression, older age (>65 years, p = 0.007), higher monthly income (>$8000, p = 0.008), not having and being forced into unemployment or early retirement (p < 0.001) remained significantly associated with less financial toxicity. Conclusion: Financial toxicity is present in Australian haematology patients and those at higher risk may be patients of working age, those without private health insurance and patients that have been forced to retire early or have become unemployed due to their diagnosis.