Changes in finances, insurance, employment, and lifestyle among persons diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia.
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.
Hounshell
J
J
VA Chicago Health Care System-Lakeside Division, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Tomori
C
C
Newlin
R
R
Knox
K
K
Rundhaugen
L
L
Tallman
M
M
Bennett
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004032:Diet; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004651:Employment; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005382:Financing, Personal; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage; D007348:Insurance, Health; D007352:Insurance, Life; D007943:Leukemia, Hairy Cell / Q000191:economics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life