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NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ -- According to an unprecedented national study by the Research and Training Institute at the Cancer Support Community (CSC - www.cancersupportcommunity.org) - an international non-profit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people impacted by cancer - the financial strain related to cancer treatment makes patients and caregivers vulnerable to post-traumatic stress syndrome, with symptoms that include extremely high levels of anxiety, depression and other mental health problems. Entitled "Evaluation of the Challenges and Barriers to Accessing Financial Support for Cancer Patient Treatment," the report, which was launched in partnership with Genentech, a leading global biotech company, and its Access Solutions team, found that 81 percent of patients and 72 percent of caregivers surveyed experienced "moderate to severe" stress levels from the monetary burdens associated with care.

"No institution has ever conducted this type of study before," says CSC's Senior Director of Research Joanne S. Buzaglo, Ph.D. "This is truly ground-breaking."



The study differs from other research efforts to date in that it: addresses financial and psychosocial barriers to access; captures the "real life experience" of what it means to struggle with the cost of cancer; and contains a standardized measure to assess symptoms of post-traumatic stress related to dealing with the financial burden of cancer care. "The findings startled the researchers," states Dr. Buzaglo. "It is hard to imagine, but the levels of post-traumatic stress reported were even greater than that of those who witnessed the terrorist attacks in New York City on September 11th and akin to that of underprivileged, displaced survivors of Hurricane Katrina."

The financial burden associated with care often overwhelms the cancer patients and their caregivers. "Those with the greatest economic need often fail to seek out assistance due to the distress they are experiencing and prevents them from taking advantage of the resources designed to make their lives financially and emotionally easier during a trying time," Dr. Buzaglo notes.

"This first report makes a strong case for the importance of health care initiatives that address emotional distress and trauma since those in greatest need are least likely to access community-based programs and services - including financial assistance - that are available at no cost," says Mitch Golant, Ph.D., CSC Senior Vice President, Research and Training Institute. CSC is presently pursuing the funding necessary to launch a second larger, more comprehensive survey to both underscore these findings as well as to implement a strategy to help patients and caregivers connect with support and resources, such as the non-profit's network of community-based organizations. One such source of support is the CSC's free Online Support Groups, which allow patients and caregivers 24/7 access to weekly groups facilitated by specially trained professionals, a personal community to receive advice and to connect with others in similar situations, and an avenue to share their own experiences with friends, family and other members of the online community.

Continue reading Financial Burdens of Cancer Care Can Cause Severe Post-Traumatic Stress Among Cancer Patients, Caregivers...

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