Is lobbying in healthcare benefiting cancer patients? This research dissects the financial landscape of healthcare lobbying, revealing significant trends in oncology-related spending. It sheds light on where the money flows, examining the lobbying efforts of pharmaceutical companies, health organizations, and oncology physician groups. Analyzing lobbying data from 2014 to 2022, the study uncovers a surge in spending by pharmaceutical and health product lobbyists, alongside a notable increase from oncology physician professional organizations and PPS-exempt cancer hospitals. However, spending by health professionals remained stable. The study uses data from OpenSecrets.org and the Federal Election Commission and employs the Mann-Kendall trend test to analyze temporal trends. This study underscores the necessity for continued scrutiny of lobbying's impact on healthcare, particularly in oncology. As the cost of cancer care escalates, understanding the utility and value of these lobbying efforts becomes critical for ensuring equitable and effective healthcare policies. Further investigation is needed to discern whether this increased spending translates into tangible benefits for cancer patients and improvements in care.
Published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, this research directly addresses the journal's core interest in oncology and the complexities of cancer care. By analyzing lobbying trends and their potential impact on treatment and policy, the paper contributes to a crucial discussion within the cancer community.