PS1511 THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF ACUTE LEUKAEMIA
Authors: Pemberton‐Whiteley Z. , Martin C. 
Published: June 2019

Background:

The financial impact of cancer is well documented. In the “Cancer's Hidden Price Tag” report commissioned by UK cancer charity Macmillan, it was found that 83% of patients are affected and, on average, are £570 a month worse off because of a cancer diagnosis. The report identified that those in work at the time of diagnosis experience the highest financial burden. NHS England's 2016 Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) asked if hospital staff gave information about how to get financial help they might be entitled to. Only 61% of leukaemia patients who would have liked this type of information were given it.

Aims:

Leukaemia Care surveyed acute leukaemia patients, to identify key concerns and issues faced throughout their cancer journey, including the financial impact.

Methods:

The survey asked questions relating to all aspects of a patient's journey following an acute leukaemia diagnosis. The survey was available to complete as a paper questionnaire or via an online link. Participants were recruited from across the UK (602) and non‐UK or non‐disclosed (6). The data was analysed to find areas of common experience. Finances and the impact on work or education emerged as key concerns for acute leukaemia patients. The results presented are those specific to the sub‐investigation of financial impact.

Results:

There were 608 responses; 147 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients and 461 acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. The AML cohort includes 18 acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) patients. 49% of respondents were male and 51% were female; this was consistent for both types of acute leukaemia. A majority (55%) of acute leukaemia patients reported a negative impact on their finances. Of those who experience a negative financial impact, 70% of ALL and 65% of AML patients report this to be due to an increase in costs, and 77% of ALL and 70% AML patients reported a decrease in income. Most patients (64% AML and 76% ALL) patients were in work or education at the time of their diagnosis. Those in work or education at diagnosis were more likely to report a negative financial impact (64%) than those who weren’t (36%). Of those in work or education, 65% of ALL patients and 75% of AML patients reported having to stop. Most reported this to be temporary (e.g. whilst undergoing treatment) but there are still large numbers that are affected permanently (24% ALL, 38% AML). Patients often need help directing to sources for financial assistance and information. However, only 73% of ALL patients and 70% of AML patients reported receiving information on practical support (such as finances); in contrast, 92% of ALL and 88% of AML patients received information specifically about their diagnosis.

Summary/Conclusion:

Most acute leukaemia patients report experiencing financial issues and often must give up work, either permanently or temporarily, which could also impact on their financial situation for years to come. Not all patients are receiving information to help them find financial assistance. The support and advice given by hospitals about the financial impact of leukaemia needs to improve, incorporating signposting to specialised financial support. In addition, further work could be done to determine whether the patients who do seek assistance get help that is adequate for their needs. Financial worries are an additional stress for cancer patients that need to be addressed by charitable organisations and policy makers alike.