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Changes in Finances, Insurance, Employment, and Lifestyle Among Persons Diagnosed with Hairy Cell Leukemia

VA Chicago Health Care System—Lakeside Division, Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center/Northwestern University Cancer Policy and Outcomes Research Program, The Institute for Health Services Research and Policy Studies, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Correspondence: Charles L. Bennett, M.D., Ph.D., Lakeside VA, Medical Science Building, 400 E. Ontario Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. Telephone: 312-469-4415; Fax: 312-503-2936; e-mail: cbenne{at}northwestern.edu

Background. While being cured of cancer generally leads to a life expectancy similar to that of the general population, the extent to which other aspects of life are affected is unknown. To address these concerns, patients with hairy cell leukemia, a cancer with a very high cure rate, were queried about employment, insurance, finances, and lifestyle during and following their treatment.

Methods. Study participants (n = 31) ranging in age from 24 to 73 years at the time of diagnosis (median, 49 years) were surveyed regarding changes in health and life insurance, employment, out-of-pocket medical costs, exercise, diet, and use of mental and alternative health services that occurred during or following hairy cell leukemia treatment.

Results. Following a diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia, 61.3% of the respondents paid for some aspect of medical care in spite of having health insurance coverage at the time of diagnosis. Four respondents (12.9%) could not obtain health insurance following treatment, and the occupational choices of several individuals or their spouses were based in large part on a desire to obtain or maintain comprehensive health insurance. Of the 13 individuals who attempted to purchase life insurance, 10 had difficulty obtaining a policy or were denied coverage. Lifestyle changes were noted by 40% to 60% of respondents, and included reports of more frequent exercise, adoption of a healthier diet, and having a greater appreciation for life, loved ones, and physical health.

Conclusions. While hairy cell leukemia is a highly curable malignancy, cancer survivors' lives and lifestyles are altered substantially after receiving treatment for the illness.

Key Words. Hairy cell leukemia • Finances • Insurance • Employment

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