Financial hardship among cancer survivors linked to more ED visits

An analysis of survey responses from more than 12,000 cancer survivors concludes that those who face financial hardship were more likely to not only visit emergency departments but also report lower rates of getting preventive health services. Researchers examined data from 2013-2017, and found that those who reported the highest levels of financial hardship when it came to medical costs as well as food insecurity or trouble paying other bills were also most likely to have more ED visits. At the same time, those who had the hardest time with medical expenses were also less likely to have received a flu shot or breast cancer screening. These individuals were also likely to report being in poorer health than those who reported less economic distress.