In a new, large comprehensive analysis led by the American Cancer Society, researchers, using a form of Artificial Intelligence (AI), found that more than one-third of fundraising stories on the GoFundMe crowdfunding platform in the United States explicitly shared experiences of medical financial hardships and health-related social needs (HRSNs). In a new, large comprehensive analysis announced on Oct. 10, led by the American Cancer Society, researchers, using a form of Artificial Intelligence (AI), found that more than one-third of fundraising stories on the GoFundMe crowdfunding platform in the United States explicitly shared experiences of medical financial hardships and health-related social needs (HRSNs). The fundraising stories included hardships such as housing and food insecurities, transportation barriers, income loss, lack of sick leave, and disruptions to both work and school. The findings are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Oncology.
“Sadly, financial hardship is common among cancer survivors across the country, forcing a growing number of patients and their families to use personal crowdfunding as an alternative source to raise money,” said Dr. Zhiyuan “Jason” Zheng, senior principal scientist, health services research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the study. “These findings show the intense difficulties in meeting basic medical and social needs, underscoring the fragility of safety nets in the US.”
“This research further highlights the drastic reality people, especially cancer patients and survivors, are increasingly facing when it comes to the high cost of health care. This reality is unacceptable,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “No one should have to choose between lifesaving treatment and a roof over their head. Lawmakers must take action. Elected officials can help reduce medical financial hardship by expanding Medicaid in the 10 states that have yet to do so, making permanent the ACA enhanced tax credits that make marketplace plans more affordable for more than 20 million people, and passing legislation to alleviate medical debt.
“Investing in patient navigation services is critical to helping ensure a better treatment experience and better health outcomes including helping patients with social and emotional needs. “No one should have to take on cancer alone and having a patient navigator helps ensure no one has to by providing necessary support throughout a complex and confusing diagnosis.”
Dr. Robin Yabroff is senior author of the study. Other ACS researchers contributing to the report include Dr. Shaojun Yu, Dr. Farhad Islami and Dr. Jingxuan Zhao.
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Check out news coverage of this announcement in Cancer Health.
