Lauren V Ghazal1,2, Samantha E Watson3, Brooke Gentry3, Sheila J Santacroce4. 1. Center for Improving Patient and Population Health, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. ghazall@umich.edu. 2. Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Ann, Arbor, MI, USA. ghazall@umich.edu. 3. Expect Miracles Foundation, Boston, MA, USA. 4. School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Young adults (YAs) diagnosed with cancer face high financial burden at a time in their lives when they are financially vulnerable. Some turn to medical crowdfunding, that is, using social media and other means to raise funds or resources to offset medical and usual life expenses. Major research gaps exist regarding the experiences of those who pursued crowdfunding. Thus, the study purpose was to describe the perceptions of, and experiences with, medical crowdfunding among a sample of YA cancer survivors. METHODS: In February 2021, we distributed an online survey to YAs with a history of a cancer diagnosis, who had received grants from an organization that offers financial assistance. We calculated descriptive statistics on the crowdfunding sample and employed thematic analysis to analyze the open-ended questions. RESULTS: In this sample (N = 113), 46 YA cancer survivors had engaged in medical crowdfunding and shared their perceptions and experiences. Our central theme, "The Crowdfunding Compromise" captures the trade-offs participants faced, which included subthemes of "crowdfunding as useful/helpful," "factors associated with crowdfunding success," and "questioning the why?". CONCLUSIONS: Among YA cancer survivors, medical crowdfunding brings shame and stigma in addition to financial support. YA cancer survivors demonstrate resilience in their attempts to find individual solutions to financial problems created by unchecked health care costs, the US health insurance infrastructure, and lack of legislation. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This study fills an important gap in understanding individual-level crowdfunding experiences. Implications include system-level approaches to addressing cancer-related financial burden and potential worsening of existing disparities through medical crowdfunding.
PURPOSE: Young adults (YAs) diagnosed with cancer face high financial burden at a time in their lives when they are financially vulnerable. Some turn to medical crowdfunding, that is, using social media and other means to raise funds or resources to offset medical and usual life expenses. Major research gaps exist regarding the experiences of those who pursued crowdfunding. Thus, the study purpose was to describe the perceptions of, and experiences with, medical crowdfunding among a sample of YA cancer survivors. METHODS: In February 2021, we distributed an online survey to YAs with a history of a cancer diagnosis, who had received grants from an organization that offers financial assistance. We calculated descriptive statistics on the crowdfunding sample and employed thematic analysis to analyze the open-ended questions. RESULTS: In this sample (N = 113), 46 YA cancer survivors had engaged in medical crowdfunding and shared their perceptions and experiences. Our central theme, "The Crowdfunding Compromise" captures the trade-offs participants faced, which included subthemes of "crowdfunding as useful/helpful," "factors associated with crowdfunding success," and "questioning the why?". CONCLUSIONS: Among YA cancer survivors, medical crowdfunding brings shame and stigma in addition to financial support. YA cancer survivors demonstrate resilience in their attempts to find individual solutions to financial problems created by unchecked health care costs, the US health insurance infrastructure, and lack of legislation. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This study fills an important gap in understanding individual-level crowdfunding experiences. Implications include system-level approaches to addressing cancer-related financial burden and potential worsening of existing disparities through medical crowdfunding.
Authors: Andrew J Cohen; Hartley Brody; German Patino; Medina Ndoye; Aron Liaw; Christi Butler; Benjamin N Breyer Journal: JAMA Intern Med Date: 2019-12-01 Impact factor: 21.873
Authors: Heydon K Kaddas; Samantha T Pannier; Karely Mann; Austin R Waters; Sara Salmon; Tomoko Tsukamoto; Echo L Warner; Brynn Fowler; Mark A Lewis; Douglas B Fair; Anne C Kirchhoff Journal: J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol Date: 2019-09-16 Impact factor: 2.223
Authors: Hannah S Thomas; Austin W Lee; Behnam Nabavizadeh; Nikan K Namiri; Nizar Hakam; Patrick Martin-Tuite; Natalie Rios; Anthony Enriquez; Nnenaya A Mmonu; Andrew J Cohen; Benjamin N Breyer Journal: Cancer Med Date: 2021-06-08 Impact factor: 4.452