Chu-Hua Chung

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences

Abstract Title:Experience of Managing Financial Impact of Cancer and Cancer Treatment in Taiwan

Biography:

Chu-Hua Chung is a clinical nursing instructor at a medical center and a doctoral student at the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences. Her research focuses on cancer care and symptom management, with a strong interest in improving supportive care strategies for patients and families.

Research Interest:

Cancer treatment can impose substantial financial and emotional stress, even in countries with public health insurance like Taiwan. This study aimed to explore how cancer patients and their families manage financial burdens, focusing on those with advanced or recurrent lung or breast cancer or those recommended for self-paid systemic treatment. Despite public coverage, many cancer treatments are not fully reimbursed, especially newer drugs, resulting in significant out-of-pocket expenses. These burdens may also disrupt employment, strain family roles, and create emotional distress. Nineteen participants were recruited using purposive sampling, and data were collected through audio-recorded, open-ended interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using constant comparison. Findings revealed that participants experienced stress from high medical costs, limited work capacity, disrupted family responsibilities, and uncertainty about treatment outcomes. They struggled with insurance limitations and making difficult financial decisions about care. To cope, they sought assistance from healthcare and community support systems, gathered information for informed decision-making, engaged in financial planning, modified their routines, leaned on family members, and turned to emotional and spiritual resources. This study addressing psychosocial and economic aspects emphasizes the diverse effects of cancer and cancer treatment on patients and families, and emphasizing the necessity of integrated support networks for coping with these challenges.