Susan G. Komen Florida invests millions to implement study findings that offset fiscal and psychosocial breast cancer costs

A qualitative study by researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health bore nine patient-driven recommendations that can reduce long-term, breast cancer-related economic burdens – a cost that averages as much as $14,877 in out-of-pocket expenses in the first two years of a diagnosis among patients who develop lymphedema. The study, published March 6 in the journal Cancer, prompted Susan G. Komen Florida, “known as the first responders to breast cancer,” to invest nearly $57 million in community breast health programs to address many of the patient recommendations found in the study.

The new program will fund and support navigation services, financial assistance and psychosocial support programs.  Specifically, Komen’s grant funding, according to an announcement released yesterday, aligns with the following study recommendations:

· Provide financial counseling or navigation throughout the diagnosis and treatment process

· Provide assistance with understanding what is covered under insurance and how to navigate changes when switching to a new insurance provider via the Komen hotline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (465-6636.

· Provide domestic assistance with household chores, child care and transportation

· Expand eligibility for financial aid and social services to those who are not in poverty

· Address psychosocial costs by expanding support groups and buddy services

The program supports women and men with a cancer diagnosis who are active in treatment, have incomes at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit, and need medications, psychosocial support, child/elder care, transportation to appointments and other needs. However, the announcement added that Komen also helps some patients living above the poverty guideline. “Many women burdened by the expenses of breast cancer testing and treatment will forego doctors’ appointments, delay critical testing, or skip medication doses to save on the cost of care,” said Kate Watt, executive director of Komen Florida.