Comparisons across role and language preference
AYAs and caregivers, regardless of language preference, endorsed a
variety of financial challenges and suggested that support is critical
to managing and absorbing these costs of care. However, nuances were
noted between the AYA and caregivers, and between Spanish and
English-speaking participants.
AYAs were aware of the impact of the cost of their cancer, especially
the downstream effects on affording food and housing. Almost
universally, they preferred a direct intervention to address these needs
either through existing community support networks or through direct
provision of resources. AYAs were focused on returning to work to
financially contribute to the family and regain a sense of agency, even
when their family did not yet think they were ready. Caregivers often
preferred to shield AYAs from financial worries, even though AYAs were
involved in financial discussions.
Among the Spanish-preferring participants, there was often an emphasis
on “familia” and, sometimes, on “fe en Dios” as a key support to
managing financial stress. When discussing support, Spanish-preferring
participants named an individual, often another family member or a
social worker. In comparison, English-speaking participants additionally
mentioned institutional support as a support to address their financial
needs.