Navigating Breast Cancer
What is financial toxicity?
Financial toxicity is the emotional, mental and physically debilitating — and often life-threatening — financial side effects and burdens induced by cancer treatment. At Pink Fund we define financial toxicity as the point in time when high deductibles and co-pays collide with lost income.
What impact does the financial toxicity of cancer treatment have?
Financial toxicity can lead to:
- Greater risk of mortality
- Impaired quality of life
- Overall poorer well-being
- Sub-par quality of care
Evidence suggests that a considerably large proportion of cancer patients are impacted by treatment-related financial harm.
– S. Yousuf Zafar, MD, Journal of National Cancer Institute, Volume 108, Issue 5
Pink Fund’s guides to financially navigating breast cancer
30–50% of breast cancer patients report experiencing financial stress due to their diagnosis and treatment plan. The flyers below provide resources that may help reduce some of the financial barriers from diagnosis through treatment to recovery.
Just Diagnosed: Financially Navigating Breast Cancer
A Guide to Financially Navigating Metastatic Breast Cancer
African American Women and Breast Cancer
At Pink Fund, we understand that navigating the practical and financial challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. We are committed to supporting breast cancer patients in active treatment, and we want to ensure that you have access to the resources and assistance you need during this difficult time. Below is a curated list of additional resources and a guide to financially navigating breast cancer.
(Website: Cancer Care)
Cancer Care provides limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs and co-pays. Additionally, their professional oncology social workers can assist you in identifying and accessing additional resources that may be available to you.
(Website: Dollar For)
Patients being treated at Federally Qualified Health Centers may have the opportunity to have their medical debt wiped clean through Dollar For. This organization offers financial relief to those who qualify, helping to ease the financial strain of medical expenses.
(Website: Greenpath Financial)
Greenpath Financial offers financial counseling and debt management services. Their expert guidance can assist you in managing your finances and developing strategies to address any financial challenges that may arise during your cancer journey.
(Website: My Healthcare Finances):
My Healthcare Finances is a valuable resource for information related to health insurance, medical bills, employment, disability, and other financial aspects of cancer treatment. They provide insights and guidance to help you navigate the complex world of healthcare finances.
(Website: PAN Foundation)
The PAN Foundation provides financial assistance to individuals with serious illnesses, including breast cancer, to help cover out-of-pocket treatment costs. Their support aims to improve your quality of life by alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with treatment.
(Website: Triage Cancer)
Triage Cancer offers free education on the practical and legal issues that may arise after a cancer diagnosis. Their resources can help you better understand your rights and options when it comes to healthcare, insurance, and employment matters.