Promoting equitable access to financial services to end financial discrimination against cancer survivors in Europe: scientific and ethical reasons

作者：Fabrice André, Davide Soldato, Inês Vaz-Luís, Andrés Cervantes, Solange Peters, N. Harbeck, E. de Azambuja, Jean‐Yves Blay · 发表于：ESMO Open · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.esmoop.2025.105767 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Economic and Financial Impacts of Cancer、Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life、Cancer survivorship and care

BACKGROUND: Cancer incidence and prevalence of cancer survivors are rising. The European Cancer Information System projects 3.25 million new cases in the EU-27 by 2040 versus 2.74 million in 2022; currently, 23 million people live with a previous cancer diagnosis. Cancer survivors face physical, psychosocial, and economic sequelae. Financial toxicity (FT)-the objective and subjective economic burden of cancer-compromises adherence, quality of life, and survival outcomes. Furthermore, mandatory disclosure of a cancer history when seeking loans or insurance further increases FT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a narrative review on FT prevalence, determinants, and interventions, and analyzed national 'right-to-be-forgotten' (RTBF) legislations across EU member states to assess their scientific rationale and economic impact. RESULTS: FT rates ranged from 41% to 48% for objective burden and from 7% to 39% for subjective strain, even in public health care systems. Socioeconomic vulnerability and incomplete social protection were the most consistent drivers of FT. Eleven trials of early financial navigation produced only modest, short-term improvements. Nine EU countries have enacted RTBF legislations. Common eligibility criteria include a minimum remission period (MRP) of 5-10 years for adults, a universal 5-year MRP for pediatric/adolescent cancers, and shorter MRPs (1-3 years) for very-low-risk entities. A significant variability exists between eligibility criteria across ...