Socioeconomic disparities, financial toxicity, and opportunities for enhanced system efficiencies for patients with cancer

Abstract

Cancer care continues to stress the US healthcare system with increases in life expectancy, cancer prevalence, and survivors' complex needs. These challenges are compounded by socioeconomic, racial, and cultural disparities that are associated with poor clinical outcomes. One innovative and resource-wise strategy to address this demand on the system is expanded use of telehealth. This paradigm has the potential to decrease healthcare and patient out-of-pocket costs and improve patient adherence to recommended treatment and/or surveillance.

Keywords: cancer; financial toxicity; geographic disparity; socioeconomic disparities; telehealth.