Abstract
The aim of this interview study was to ask patients with head and neck cancer in the
Mersey region about their need for financial benefits, the advice they were given
about benefits and financial matters, and the financial burden of the disease. Stratified
quota sampling was by employment status, whether work had been affected by the cancer,
and by sex. Of 51 interviewees (mean (SD) age 61(8) years) 20 were retired, 11 were
unemployed, 13 worked full-time, and 7 worked part-time. Cancer had affected the work
status of 24. Since diagnosis 57% had suffered financially; this was particularly
high in those who had retired (65%), and in those whose work had been affected by
cancer (79%). Quality of life had decreased in 53% as a result of the financial impact
of the disease. This was most common in the unemployed (64%), and in those whose work
was affected by cancer (83%). Only a quarter had been given adequate help and information
about finance; this was lowest in the unemployed (18%) and highest in those who were
fully employed (39%). One third (17/51) had never claimed benefits. The most common
benefits were Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit. Two-thirds (21/31)
had applied for benefits after diagnosis, 18 of these were directly as a result of
the disease. The median (IQR) weekly income from benefits was £88 (£60-170). Patients
and carers need better access to financial advice. We suggest that each multidisciplinary
team should have a designated benefits or financial advisor who is readily available
to patients in the clinic and on the ward.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 13, 2011
Accepted:
July 22,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
