Inter-relationships between the economic and emotional consequences of colorectal cancer for patients and their families: a qualitative study

BMC Gastroenterology

Linda Sharp²  Anthony Staines³  Kanika Kapur⁴  Patricia Fitzpatrick¹  Aileen Timmons²  Claire Finn⁵  Liza Costello²  Alan Ó Céilleachair⁶ 

[1] School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Population Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland;National Cancer Registry Ireland, Cork, Ireland;School of Nursing, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland;School of Economics and Geary Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland;National Economic and Social Council, Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland;National Cancer Registry, Building 6800, Cork Airport Business Park, Kinsale Road, Cork, Ireland

关键词: Employment;    Social support;    Caregivers;    Patients;    cost analysis;    Costs &;    Colorectal cancer;   

Others  :  1113055
DOI  :  10.1186/1471-230X-12-62

 received in 2011-06-24, accepted in 2012-06-07,  发布年份 2012

【 摘 要 】

Background

While the evidence-base concerning the economic impact of cancer for patients and their families/carers has grown in recent years, there is little known about how emotional responses to cancer influence this economic impact. We investigated the economic costs of cancer in the context of patients’ emotions and how these both shaped the patient and family burden.

Methods

Health professionals from six hospitals invited patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (ICD10 C18-C20) within the previous year to take part in the study. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients and, where available, a family member. Interviews covered medical and non-medical costs incurred as a result of cancer and the impact of these on the lives of the patient and their family. Interviews were audio-recorded. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and these data were analysed qualitatively using thematic content analysis.

Results

Twenty-two patients with colorectal cancer (17 colon and 5 rectal; 14 women and 8 men) were interviewed; 6 were accompanied by a family member. Important cancer-related financial outlays included: travel and parking associated with hospital appointments; costs of procedures; increased household bills; and new clothing. Cancer impacted on employed individuals’ ability to work and depressed their income. The opportunity cost of informal care for carers/family members, especially immediately post-diagnosis, was a strong theme. All patients spoke of the emotional burden of colorectal cancer and described how this burden could lead to further costs for themselves and their families by limiting work and hindering their ability to efficiently manage their expenses. Some patients also spoke of how economic and emotional burdens could interact with each other. Support from employers, family/carers and the state/health services and patients’ own attitudes influenced this inter-relationship.

Conclusions

The economic impact of colorectal cancer on patients and their families is complex. This study suggests that the economic costs and the emotional impact of cancer are often related and can exacerbate each other, but that various factors can meditate this inter-relationship.

【 授权许可】

   
2012 Ó Céilleachair et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

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