Financial Counseling for Cancer Patients
(CAN-ASSIST Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Financial hardship and health-related social needs (e.g., insecurity about food, housing, transportation, utilities) are common among patients with cancer, resulting in health disparities in cancer outcomes. Our study will test the efficacy of a multicomponent financial navigation and counseling program delivered by a financial navigator (CostCOM), vs. direct patient access to financial education materials and comprehensive list of local resources in the absence of a financial navigator (FinEd) vs. practice usual care among newly diagnosed cancer patients who screen positive for financial hardship and social needs. Investigators anticipate that both CostCOM and FinEd compared to enhanced usual care will improve cost-related cancer care nonadherence, financial worry, health insurance literacy, quality of life and sleep quality and decrease number of missed appointments.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on financial counseling rather than changes to your medical treatment.
Is financial counseling for cancer patients safe?
How is the CostCOM treatment different from other treatments for cancer patients?
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment CostCOM, Cost Communication and Financial Navigation, Financial Education, Financial Counseling, Financial Navigation, Cost Communication, Provision of local and national resources to address financial and social needs for cancer patients?
Research shows that personalized cost communication and financial counseling can help cancer patients manage financial distress. Studies found that interventions like the DISCO App, which improve cost discussions, are feasible and can reduce the financial burden by enhancing communication between patients and healthcare providers.135810
Who Is on the Research Team?
Gelareh Sadigh
Principal Investigator
University of California, Irvine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for newly diagnosed cancer patients who are experiencing financial hardship and social needs, such as concerns about food, housing, transportation, or utilities. Participants must screen positive for these challenges to be eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive either CostCOM, FinEd, or Enhanced Usual Care interventions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for outcomes such as cost-related cancer care non-adherence, financial worry, and quality of life
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- CostCOM
- Financial Education
- Provision of local and national resources to address financial and social needs
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Irvine
Lead Sponsor
Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Collaborator