Cancer Prevention Resources
Cancer that is found early is more likely to be treatable or even curable, making getting preventative tests and screenings vital to your overall short and long term health. Various resources listed below are designed to help you understand the screenings that are recommended for you, when you should get them, and help you understand the benefits, and any risks, of regular cancer screening(s).Are you worried about the cost of Cancer Screenings?
Under the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (PPACA) many cancer screenings, including mammograms and colon screenings are covered at no cost to insured patients. Be sure to contact your health insurer to verify your health coverage benefits. The following are the guidelines under PPACA:
- Colorectal Cancer screening for adults over 50
- BRCA Genetic risk assessment for women at higher risk for breast cancer due to family members who have experienced a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast Cancer Mammomgraphy screenings every 1 to 2 years for women over 40.
- Breast Cancer Chemoprevention (preventative medication for breast cancer)
- Counseling for women at higher risk
- Cervical Cancer screening for sexually active women
Financial Resources
- National Underinsured Resource Directory is intended to help underinsured individuals and families locate valuable resources and seek alternative coverage options or methods for better reimbursement.
- NeedyMeds is an organization that makes information about medication assistance programs available to low-income patients and their advocates at no cost. Resources include Patient Assistance Programs, Disease-Based Assistance, Free and Low-Cost Clinics, government programs and other types of assistance programs.
- The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage secure the medicines they need for free or nearly free.
- Co-Pay Relief program provides co-payment assistance to insured Americans who financially and medically qualify.
- Nationally, programs such as the Colorectal Cancer Control Program and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program(NBCCEDP) offer qualified individuals with access to free or reduced screening. If diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer you may qualify for medical care through Medicaid. It is very important to be screened by providers who participate in the program BEFORE receiving a diagnosis to be sure that you are eligible for the program.
- IMPACT offers a prostate cancer program for the state of California only
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has introduced a comprehensive new program, Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients. This website is designed to provide information, action steps and tools to patients, their families, and their healthcare providers to help reduce the risk of developing potentially life-threatening infections during chemotherapy treatment.
- American Cancer Society
- Cancer Screening Guidelines
- Eat Healthy and Get Active
- National Cancer Institute
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Patient Advocate Foundation Cancer Prevention Calendar
The cost of cancer treatment can be burdensome, especially if you do not have adequate or any insurance coverage at all. The following tools will provide an estimated retail cost of medical services and medications.
