Cancer costs the U.S. $219 billion each year in medical costs and lost productivity. The disease claims more than half a million lives each year and inflicts incalculable physical pain and emotional distress on cancer patients and their families. Sadly, the burden falls disproportionately on our nation’s underserved populations, who lack regular access to cancer screening and treatment services.
Fortunately, there are concrete steps we can take to end this crisis. Increasing our investment in biomedical research will create jobs and provide short-term stimulus the economy needs today, while building the foundation for a healthier more productive workforce in the future. At the same time, we must ensure access to affordable, high-quality health care for all Americans, especially underserved populations and “uninsurable” persons with chronic or pre-existing conditions like cancer.
Cancer patients and survivors have some of the most difficult experiences with the health care system at a time in their lives when they are most vulnerable:
Federal and state programs that provide support to underserved people with cancer are dramatically underfunded, leading to huge gaps in access.
Even cancer patients with health insurance find that because of high cost sharing, annual and lifetime maximums, and other limitations, they may be exposed to extremely high out of pocket costs.
If a cancer patient has to cut back on hours or leave their job to undergo treatment, they often face the prospect of losing their health insurance.
Cancer survivors face some of the largest hurdles for reentering the workforce or seeking private insurance, because they have a so-called preexisting condition.
Breast Cancer EARLY Act
In March, Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Sue Myrick (R-NC), Donna Christensen (D-VI) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced the Breast Cancer EARLY Act (Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young) in the U.S. House (H.R. 1740). Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) introduced a similar bill in the U.S. Senate (S. 994). The EARLY Act will:
Initiate an evidence-based public education campaign about breast cancer in women under age 45 — with an emphasis on women at higher risk due to their race, ethnicity or genetic heritage.
Educate health care professionals about the risk factors, opportunities for genetic counseling and testing, and unique challenges that face young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Provide grants to organizations that provide credible health information directed to young women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The EARLY Act authorizes $9 million per year for FY2010 through FY2014 to carry out the awareness and education campaigns and to provide grants to organizations that provide breast health information to young women.
Why do we Need the EARLY Act?
While it is rare, young women under age 45 can and do develop breast cancer. In the U.S. about 10 percent of all breast cancer occurs in women under age 45:
24,000 women in the U.S. under age 45 are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year (including situ breast cancer), and more than 3,000 will die.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women under age 40.
The five-year relative survival rate in the U.S. is slightly lower among women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40 (82 percent) compared to women diagnosed at ages 40 and older (89 percent).
Diagnosing breast cancer in young women can be more difficult because their breast tissue is often more dense than the breast tissue of older women. By the time a lump can be felt in a young woman, it is often large enough and advanced enough to lower her chances of survival. In addition, the cancer may be more aggressive and less responsive to hormone therapies.
There are benefits to starting evidence-based, age-appropriate breast health education early. By starting young, when women are still developing their lifelong habits, educating them about the benefits of healthy living and breast self-awareness will lead to a lifetime of empowerment. And they may be willing to adopt healthy lifestyles including exercise and nutrition.
Komen has a long history of working with younger women who are affected by breast cancer and provides educational materials and resources for younger women diagnosed with breast cancer. Komen strongly encourages every woman to take charge of her life. First, know your risk — learn your family health history and talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer. Second, get screened — ask your health provider which screening tests are right for you. Third, know what is normal for you — know your body and tell your health provider right away if you notice a change in the way your breasts look or feel. Finally, make healthy lifestyle choices. More information is available on www.komen.org.
Like what you see here? We can’t do this important work without your support. Please join the movement of breast cancer survivors and activists, committed to making a difference.
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