Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Valuation of Post-Treatment Recommended Care

Abstract

Purpose:

Examine whether survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer value recommended post-treatment care using focus groups and a willingness to pay (WTP) survey. WTP, a measure of value, indicates the dollar amount individuals are willing to pay to use a service.

Methods:

Participants were recruited through the Utah Cancer Registry. N = 28 survivors diagnosed with cancer at ages 15–39 and currently aged ≥18 participated in focus groups, and N = 4 in phone interviews (participation rate = 50%). All participants responded to a demographic survey and WTP questions based on one-time and monthly payments for annual visits. Focus group participants responded to an open-ended question on the value of follow-up care. Interval regressions identified factors associated with WTP. Qualitative analysis summarized themes for the open-ended question.

Results:

Focus group participants reported valuing follow-up care as it brings peace of mind and helps them manage their health. Yet, 38% reported not having a cancer-related visit in the previous year. Only 27% and 43% of survivors agreed to pay any one-time and monthly payments, respectively. The monthly payment mean WTP was $41 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31–84), equating to $494 annually, which is greater than the mean WTP for one-time payment ($362, 95% CI: 293–432, p < 0.001), suggesting that survivors may prefer monthly payments. Several factors, including being female and in better health, predicted higher WTP.

Conclusion:

Many AYA cancer survivors report not visiting their doctors annually for post-treatment care despite verbally valuing care. Models that demonstrate high quality and distribute costs over time should be evaluated to encourage survivors to receive recommended care.