What’s the Cost: Financial Toxicity and Screening Fatigue in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome are recommended to follow a comprehensive cancer surveillance protocol, but the demanding nature may limit adherence. We sought to identify barriers to adherence, and to determine whether screening fatigue and financial hardship are contributors. A 39-item online survey was developed and distributed to patients presenting to a LFS clinic between 2017 and 2022.
Of the 39 patients eligible, 20 responded to the survey (51%). Of respondents, 75% reported they do not skip surveillance tests, though this was not consistent when asked about specific tests, with only 65% and 40% up to date with colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, respectively. 100% of those diagnosed within the last 5 years said they never skip tests, whereas only 50% of those diagnosed over 5 years ago reported the same (p=0.01). Barriers to adherence were reported by 85% and most commonly included finances (40%), time (25%), and difficulty scheduling (25%).
Only 21% felt no financial stress. 63% worried at least somewhat about their future financial situation because of LFS. Even with insurance, 65% felt their share of healthcare costs was too high.
Adherence to rigorous cancer surveillance is imperfect and decreases over time among patients with LFS. While number of tests was not a commonly cited barrier, time and difficulty scheduling were common and may contribute to screening fatigue. The degree of financial stress in the affluent population studied should raise even greater concern about financial strain in the LFS population in general.