Financial toxicity among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A systematic review of educational attainment, employment, and income

Purpose

To identify, evaluate and summarize the evidence on educational attainment, employment status and income of AYAs surviving cancer.

Methods

A search of six databases for articles published between 01/01/2010 and 03/31/2022 was performed. Articles with an AYA survivorship population, quantitative design and a cancer-free comparator group were included. Data extraction was conducted, and quality appraisal was completed using ROBINS-I. Results were summarized using a narrative synthesis.

Results

A total of 2801 articles were identified, of which 12 were included. Among the limited evidence, educational attainment did not differ from cancer-free peers. Survivors were more likely to be unemployed, have lower incomes and require social security for income supplementation. Evidence suggested that females, diagnosis of brain cancer and the presence of late-effects were among the risk factors for severe outcomes.

Conclusions

Limited socioeconomic evidence exists for AYAs surviving cancer. Long-lasting financial toxicities occur and highlights a need for further investigation.