Nationwide Analysis of Legal Barriers to Cancer Care

What are the predominant legal challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with cancer who seek legal navigation?In this cohort study of 5810 patients, caregivers, and health care professionals using legal navigation services, 48% of patients faced 2 or more legal barriers to health insurance, financial assistance, disability benefits, employment, and more. Black or African American and low-income populations made more requests for assistance with finances, while White and high-income populations more frequently sought assistance with health insurance and employment.The findings suggest accessible legal navigation services and education for health care professionals are needed to address legal barriers during cancer treatment and beyond.

Corresponding Author: S. M. Qasim Hussaini, MD, MS, Department of Medicine, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1824 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233 (shussaini@uabmc.edu).

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