Affordable Care Act: Newest Tool in Fight Against Breast Cancer

HARRISBURG, Pa. - October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year's observance marks a major shift for women's ability to access the health care and screening tools they need. 

Matt Schafer, who works for the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network, pointed out that under the Affordable Care Act, women cannot be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions such as breast cancer.

"The health-care law also requires health plans to cover annual preventive mammograms for women starting at age 40," he said. "It prohibits lifetime dollar limits on coverage, and it also restricts the amount of out-of-pocket costs. And for an organization like the American Cancer Society that's focused on finding a cure for this disease, nothing can be better."

Education on prevention, earlier detection and better treatment options have all helped the five-year survival rate for breast cancer climb to around 98 percent. Schafer said more improvements are expected as more women are able to access affordable health care and get regular check-ups, and treatment if needed.

"We've learned a lot about cancer. We've learned a lot about preventing it. We've learned a lot about treating it, but the one challenge we've encountered is cost," he said. "And the peace of mind that women are going to have looking into the next year ... They can spend more time focusing on getting healthy, and not worrying about their life savings."

On an average day in Pennsylvania, 33 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and six die from the disease.

More information is at bit.ly/16H0P7B. 

Tom Joseph