Financial toxicity among cancer patients, survivors, and their families in the United Kingdom: a scoping review

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this scoping review was to identify key research gaps and priorities in order to advance policy and practice for people living with cancer in the UK.MethodsThe review adhered to PRISMA guidelines for scoping review. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar on July 16, 2022. There were no restrictions in terms of study design and publication time; grey literature was included. The key words, ‘financial’ or ‘economic’, were combined with each of the following words ‘hardship/stress/burden/distress/strain/toxicity/catastrophe/consequence/impact.’Results29/629 studies/reports published during 1982-2022 were eligible to be included in the review. No study conducted a comprehensive inquiry and reported all aspects of FT or used a validated measure of FT. The most three commonly reported outcomes related to financial hardship were financial well-being (24/29), benefit/welfare (17/29), and mental health status (16/29).ConclusionsIt is evident that FT is experienced by UK cancer patients/survivors and that the issue is under-researched. There is an urgent need for further research including rigorous studies which contribute to a comprehensive understanding about the nature and extent of FT, disparities in experience, the impacts of FT on outcomes, and potential solutions to alleviate FT and related problems.