Breast cancer patients and survivors are speaking out about how the treatment environment is setting them up to not just survive, but thrive.
A recent report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) found that while the number of infections is still rising, particularly among groups such as young women and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, death rates are falling.
Since 1989, breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 44%.
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Breast cancer incidence among young women under 50 increased by 1.4% compared to the previous year, with two to one-half times as many cases diagnosed in the latter group, the report found.
Breast cancer patients and survivors are speaking out about how the treatment environment is setting them up to not just survive, but thrive. (St. Petersburg)
Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society of Pennsylvania, said the increase in breast cancer diagnoses is due in part to increased risk factors such as obesity, alcohol and exposure to ultra-processed foods.
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It’s not all bad news, she told Fox News, as a “survivor tsunami” is on the horizon.
“There are currently approximately 19 million cancer survivors in the United States,” Knudsen said. “And with new advances in cancer treatment, many more survivors will emerge.”
Reducing the economic burden of cancer
According to ACS, more than half of cancer patients and survivors say they have medical debt.
The majority are unprepared for the cost, with 73% saying they are concerned about their ability to pay current or future medical costs.
Three out of five people diagnosed with cancer face financial hardship, including taking unpaid leave, losing health insurance and losing their job, the report found.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than half of cancer patients and survivors say they have medical debt. (St. Petersburg)
To ease the burden on breast cancer patients and survivors, a growing number of programs, clinics, and workplaces are offering financial relief and services, such as temporary housing.
One survivor, Shannon Barrett, told Fox News that she credits her success in battling bilateral breast cancer to Hope Lodge, an ACS community that provides housing to cancer patients and their caregivers across the country. He said it was thanks to him.
“We need a community that supports all breast cancer survivors to get the care they need.”
When Barrett was having trouble recovering both physically and mentally, she said Hope Lodge enabled her to receive treatment at New York University and overcome the financial burden that came with it.
“The woman needs to focus on her treatment and recovery,” Barrett told Fox News.
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“We need a community that supports all breast cancer survivors to get the treatment they need. And they deserve world-class health care, no matter the financial burden. , it should not be withheld.”
After nearly two and a half years of treatment, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy and reconstructive surgery, Barrett was declared cancer-free.
“Too many women face the added pressure of finding ways to pay high bills while fighting for their lives.”
Most breast cancer patients rely on insurance provided by their employer.
When Fox Business correspondent Jerry Willis learned she had stage 3 breast cancer eight years ago, her employer offered her the health care she needed to receive treatment without going into financial hardship. They provided insurance.
“The diagnosis hit me hard, but I didn’t have to worry about whether I would be able to afford the treatment,” Willis told Fox News.
Some clinics offer free laser tattoo removal to survivors who have radiation treatment scars. (St. Petersburg)
“I was one of the lucky ones because my employer had generous health insurance and I was never forced to choose between paying the bills and getting treatment,” she continued. Ta.
“Too many women face the added pressure of finding ways to pay high bills while fighting for their lives.”
Some employer plans offer case managers to help employees pay their bills and copays, Willis noted.
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For those without insurance, there are independent government programs that help fund cancer needs, from treatment to transportation.
Supporting women’s confidence building
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, some clinics are offering free laser tattoo removal to survivors with radiological markings.
“They went through a big journey that was very sad, and now they want to feel comfortable in their own skin, whether it’s in clothes or in a bathing suit,” says Aristocrat Formation. says Dr. Kevin Tehrani, a surgical surgeon. He told Fox News that the incidents occurred in New York City and Great Neck, Long Island.
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“The elimination process takes them to the next level of confidence and helps them get through the dark parts of their journey.”
For those without insurance, there are independent government programs that help fund cancer needs, from treatment to transportation. (St. Petersburg)
Dr. Tehrani and his team typically remove tattoos over three to four sessions until they are completely gone.
Earlier this month, the clinic removed four to five radiation scars from a survivor.
Most of the survivors were not even aware that the traces could be removed, doctors noted.
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Dr. Tehrani also offers free screening tests to breast cancer survivors who receive silicone implants, the majority of patients who choose reconstructive surgery.
Screenings are typically covered by insurance in most states, but this clinic uses ultrasound technology to enhance its services.
