Financial stress and burden among caregivers of cancer survivors in the United States.

Abstract

12027 Background: United States caregivers perform annual services equating to nearly $500 billion, with three-quarters of family caregivers utilizing personal funds. Nearly a third of all caregivers of cancer survivors report using all or most of their savings to contribute to the cost of cancer care. Prior studies indicate the duration of caregiving is associated with an increase in caregiving burden. This study aims to further describe the financial stress and burden in relation to caregiving duration for people who provide care to cancer survivors. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2015 and 2020 National Alliance for Caregiving and American Association of Retired Persons survey data. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine differences in reporting financial stress between various racial/ethnic groups while adjusting for education, income, and employment. Results: A total of 2,998 caregivers were included, where 208 of them were caring for cancer patients. Caregivers of cancer patients who provided care > 21 hours/week were statistically more likely to be less educated, lower income, single, and unemployed compared to those who provided < 21 hours/week. Caregiving for > 21 hours/week compared to < 21 hours/week is associated with being more likely to report communicating with healthcare professionals about a recipient's care (87.7% vs. 75.9%; p = 0.038). It is borderline significant that caregivers who provided care for > 21 hours/week were more likely to advocate for recipients (68.7% vs. 56.8%; p = 0.086) and monitor condition severity to adjust care needs (84.9% vs. 70.7%; p = 0.100). After controlling for confounders (education, income, and employment), Non-Hispanic Black (odds ratio (OR) = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02-1.65), Hispanic (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.02-1.89), and Asian (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.02-2.24) cancer caregivers had increased odds of reporting increased financial stress compared to Non-Hispanic White caregivers. Conclusions: Longer duration of caregiving to cancer survivors is associated with a greater burden for caregivers. Financial stress disparities related to caregiving exist between racial/ethnic groups, with non-white caregivers being more likely to report increased financial strain. Special financial programs are needed to assist caregivers of cancer survivors, a growing but understudied population.