PURPOSE: Cancer-related financial hardship can significantly affect patients and their families' well-being. Cancer patients in rural regions face unique challenges, yet little is known about the scope of rural financial hardship. This study explored potential contributing factors and types of financial hardship experienced by breast cancer patients in the rural California region. METHODS: Using a qualitative approach, individual interviews were conducted with 25 Latinas and non-Latina Whites with breast cancer. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Factors contributing to financial hardship include patients' employment disruption and loss of familial financial contributions. The participants experienced financial hardship related to material, psychological, and behavioral aspects, which is complicated by socio-geographic characteristics and familial context. CONCLUSIONS: Financial hardship was a significant concern, resulting in adverse effects across multiple aspects. It is important to provide financial interventions that address the multi-level challenges and to expand the corresponding services accordingly.
Ko et al. (Mon,) studied this question.