Research Links Decline in Credit Scores to Higher Cancer Mortality Rates

Recent findings suggest that patients diagnosed with cancer who experience a decrease in their credit scores may face a significantly increased risk of mortality. This study marks a crucial step in establishing a connection between financial well-being and physical health outcomes.

The research was highlighted at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2025, which took place in Chicago. Researchers utilized data from the Massachusetts Cancer Registry alongside credit bureau records spanning from 2010 to 2019, analyzing a comprehensive group of 42,451 cancer patients. Results indicated that approximately 8.5% of these patients exhibited symptoms of financial toxicity, characterized by a credit score dropping below 600 within 18 months post-diagnosis. An additional 3% were already in a state of financial toxicity at the time of their diagnosis.

Given that Massachusetts boasts one of the highest healthcare coverage rates in the U.S., with 97-98% of residents insured, the implications of financial toxicity and its associated risks might be even more pronounced in states with lower coverage rates.

According to the lead researcher, the decline in credit scores correlates with an elevated mortality risk, suggesting that this data point could provide healthcare providers with additional avenues for intervention.

• Mortality Correlation: Patients were classified into tiers based on their credit scores. Those who dropped two tiers within a year faced a 29% higher likelihood of death. Over any six-month interval post-diagnosis, a single-tier decline increased mortality odds by 12%, while a two-tier drop raised it by 63%. Notably, improvements in credit scores did not correlate with reduced risk.
• Demographics at Risk: Younger individuals aged 21 to 44 and those identifying as Black or Hispanic were significantly more likely to experience financial toxicity.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Factors such as being divorced or separated, holding less than a college degree, smoking, relying on public insurance, and residing in high-poverty areas all contributed to increased risks of financial toxicity.
• Income Disparities: Patients earning less than $30,000 annually were found to be 3.66 times more likely to experience financial toxicity compared to their peers earning between $50,000 and $69,000.

These findings indicate that access to healthcare alone may not suffice to ensure favorable clinical outcomes. The implications of financial toxicity extend beyond mere stress, as they are linked to increased mortality rates that are not directly attributable to cancer or could be exacerbated by financial hardships.

For more information, refer to the study presented at the ACS Clinical Congress 2025.