Socioeconomic and financial factors associated with financial toxicity in Japanese cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Financial toxicity (FT) arises from the economic burden of cancer treatment and is associated with reduced quality of life and worse survival. However, its association with socioeconomic and financial factors among Japanese cancer patients has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: Between October 2023 and May 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted among adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for at least two months at two cancer centers in Japan. Patients receiving public assistance or who had participated in clinical trials were excluded. FT was assessed using the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST). Lower COST scores indicate higher FT. Associations between COST score and clinical, demographic, socioeconomic, and financial factors were analyzed using univariable linear regression. RESULTS: Of 258 patients invited, 245 responded, and 203 (78.7%) were analyzed. The median age was 62 years, and the most common primary tumor sites were head and neck (22.7%), colorectal (12.3%), and lung (11.3%). The median COST score was 22 (range: 2-41), with FT (COST