Young adult survivors of cancer might adhere to medication better if they are involved in discussions about the cost of their care, according to a cross-sectional analysis involving nearly 1,000 individuals.

Participants were diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years of age. Using a comparison group, investigators looked at cost-related medication nonadherence based on answers to the 2013 to 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Among the results:

• Nearly one-fourth of survivors reported nonadherence, vs 14% of the comparison group.
• Survivors were also more likely to find medication unaffordable, ask about lower-cost alternatives, and use those alternatives the year prior.
• Uninsured survivors were more than 3 times more likely to report nonadherence than their insured counterparts.
• Black survivors reported more nonadherence than their counterparts, as did those who said they had more mental distress and comorbidities.
• Survivors who had a usual source of care were 61% less likely to be nonadherent.