Date of Graduation
Summer 8-2-2024
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (MPH)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Department/Program
Public Health
First Advisor
Dr. Courtney Keeler
Second Advisor
Dr. Marie Claude-Couture
Abstract
Objective: This paper addresses the economic burden of breast cancer and the social determinants of health influencing it among women in California.
Methods: I have prepared a critical review of peer-reviewed literature. The literature was assembled from two databases: PubMed and Springer Link. I limited the search to the years 2014-2024, filtered the results for free full text followed by restriction to a gender filter for women. Of the total forty-two articles gathered, I identified eighteen articles based on the economic burden of breast cancer, excluded all systematic reviews and selected eleven articles including a combination of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies.
Results: The economic burden of breast cancer is directly influenced by four major factors: insurance coverage, age, socio-economic status, and race/ethnicity. The distress exponentially increases exponentially regardless of insurance. Uninsured and Medicaid insured patients suffer from substantially higher treatment cost as compared to those privately insured. Cancer treatment costs vary across all ages with highest bearing on those less than 35 years. About 31.8% of women reported reduction in healthcare services purely due to cost. African American women in California experienced wide disparities in receiving recommended treatment as compared to their White counterparts. Women belonging to lower socio-economic communities showed higher rates of diagnosis at advanced-stage breast cancer compared to wealthier areas.
Conclusion: Research suggests that women, particularly younger women could benefit most from financial assistance and detailed information on care costs. Policy makers might consider continued comprehensive insurance coverage and explore employment modifications after diagnosis. Additionally, healthcare facilities might consider utilizing communication-based strategies for affordability and viable treatment modalities.
Recommended Citation
Nimkar, Vaibhavi P., "Diagnosis, Distress, and Displacement: The Economic Burden Of Breast Cancer In California" (2024). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1757.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1757
