The impact of financial toxicity on quality of life for survivors of primary brain tumour
Published 30th April 2025
Purpose
Despite the well-known impacts of financial hardship on cancer survivors, financial toxicity experienced in the context of brain tumour has received little attention. This study examined factors related to financial toxicity, and associations between financial toxicity, anxiety and quality of life (QoL) in this population.
Method
Adults with primary brain tumour were recruited from hospital and community services as part of a telehealth psychological intervention study. They completed a telephone cognitive screener at pre-intervention, and the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity-Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT), Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) as part of a 6-week post-intervention assessment.
Results
Sixty brain tumour survivors (60% female; M age = 47.90, SD = 14.47) participated. Most of the sample (57%) experienced mild to moderate financial toxicity. Individuals with high-grade glioma reported significantly higher levels of financial toxicity compared to those with benign brain tumour. Greater perceived symptoms, lower global cognitive status and higher anxiety symptoms were significantly associated with higher financial toxicity. Financial toxicity contributed significant unique variance in QoL (4.2%), controlling for covariates. Anxiety symptoms partially mediated the relationship between financial toxicity and QoL (β = 0.24, CI 0.03, 0.55).
Conclusions
Higher levels of financial toxicity are related to tumour type (high-grade glioma), lower cognitive status, greater perceived symptoms and anxiety. Brain tumour survivors with higher financial toxicity are more likely to experience lower QoL, which may in part be related to greater anxiety symptoms.
Implications for cancer survivors
Financial burden is associated with higher anxiety and lower quality of life for brain tumour survivors. These findings highlight the importance of early screening and access to personalised financial advice and support.
Citation
Luttrell, J., Lion, K., Pinkham, M.B. et al. The impact of financial toxicity on quality of life for survivors of primary brain tumour. J Cancer Surviv (2025).
Authors
Professor
