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Living with the financial consequences of cancer: A life course perspective

Abstract Purpose Financial hardship can be a major cause of distress among persons with cancer, resulting in chronic stress and impacting physical and emotional health. This paper provides an analysis of the lived experience of cancer patients’ financial hardship from diagnosis to post-treatment. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 cancer survivors who reported financial hardship during and/or after treatment. The interviews were analyzed using DedooseTM as an organizational tool, the life course perspective as an organizing theoretical framework, and a thematic analysis tool 1 to answer our research questions. Our analysis identified that timing and sequencing of life transitions and stress proliferation furthered the process of financial stress over time. Findings Cancer survivors do not experience financial toxicity as a singular process; the experience can be quite different depending on age and life transitions. Practice/Policy Implications These findings provide psychosocial oncology providers with a framework for identifying patients at risk for financial distress and addressing the critical needs related to their life stage.