Washington, DC (April 2, 2013)- A recent survey conducted by the Cancer Support Community® (CSC) revealed a majority (72.8%) of cancer patients experienced some degree of emotional distress from managing the cost associated with their cancer care. Additionally, 64.8% reported having no discussion with their health care team about the financial aspects of care. To help meet the needs of the growing population of people impacted by the financial burden of cancer care, the Cancer Support Community released the fourth edition of its highly acclaimed Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Coping with the Cost of Care. Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Coping with the Cost of Care is presented in partnership with the Association of Oncology Social Work, Cancer and Careers, Cancer Legal Resource Center, LIVESTRONG, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, Patient Access Network, Patient Advocate Foundation and Survivorship A – Z.
“People with cancer today are asked to make more complex decisions about diagnostic and treatment options as well as health insurance coverage. Ongoing changes to the health care system mean patients and their families need information that will allow them to ask the right questions and access the tools needed to receive appropriate, effective care” said Kim Thiboldeaux, President & CEO of the Cancer Support Community.
Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Coping with the Cost of Care includes a free patient education booklet, workshops and online content. Highlights include:
The latest information on the Affordable Care Act, including federal and state implementation
Updates on health insurance options and health care consumer protections
New information on ways to help pay for treatment and living expenses
Updated description of Medicare/Medicare Part D
Updates to employment protections and disability insurance benefits
Overview of patient assistance programs
Up-To-Date Listing of Resources
Updated information about federal and state requirements for insurance coverage of clinical trials, oral chemotherapies, prescriptions drugs, and fertility preservation options
For more information about Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Coping with the Cost of Care including ways in which you can obtain free materials or bring a workshop to your area, please visit
www.cancersupportcommunity.org/FranklySpeakingAboutCancer