Viewpoint demonstrates the scope of financial toxicity in head and neck cancer, highlighting the need to manage expectations for cost-of-care conversations.
Key Points
To examine the role, challenges, and realistic boundaries of cost-of-care conversations in mitigating financial toxicity for patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment.
Expert viewpoint synthesizing clinical communication practices and structural economic challenges in oncology.
Cost-of-care discussions cannot independently resolve structural drivers of high out-of-pocket medical expenses or lost income.
Clinicians must set realistic expectations regarding what cost discussions can achieve while connecting individuals with institutional financial navigation resources.