Duygu Ürek, Birol Yetim, Özgür Uğurluoğlu
Awareness of financial toxicity is crucial to supporting the health of cancer patients and survivors. By effective policies and interventions financial toxicity can be reduced, access to care can be improved, and health outcomes can be enhanced.
OBJECTIVE: Financial toxicity is a significant concern for reproductive system cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the level of financial toxicity among patients and survivors facing reproductive system cancers.
METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A comprehensive search of four electronic databases was conducted.
RESULTS: A total of 67 studies were reviewed in the systematic review, and 9 were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that the overall level of financial toxicity in reproductive system cancers was mild. Subgroup analyses showed that males and patients from the USA tended to experience higher financial toxicity.
CONCLUSION: Awareness of financial toxicity is crucial to supporting the health of cancer patients and survivors. By effective policies and interventions financial toxicity can be reduced, access to care can be improved, and health outcomes can be enhanced.