Cancer diagnosis and business investment

Financial toxicity, which refers to cancer patients and their families’ financial distress, has been one of the most important but understudied topics, especially for the business assets investors. This study examines the relationship between cancer diagnosis and business investment among the aging population. An analysis of the most recent health and retirement study (HRS) data reveals that individuals with a history of cancer diagnosis are less likely to own business assets and are more prone to liquidate business assets within their non-housing financial portfolios. A demographic profile of typical business assets owners emerges from the data: predominantly male, married, white, and wealthy. However, the study does not find an immediate, significant impact of the onset of a cancer diagnosis on these trends. The findings of this research carry substantial implications for various stakeholders. Policymakers, financial educators, individual investors, and particularly business assets owners, can derive valuable insights from these findings. Understanding the nuanced effects of health issues on business investment decisions can inform more targeted and effective strategies in financial planning and policy formulation.