Cancer Support Community launches navigating cancer cost toolkit

Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Coping with the Cost of Cancer – Third edition released

In a recent study conducted by the Cancer Support Community (“CSC”), a majority (72.8%) of patients surveyed experienced some degree of emotional distress from managing cancer care costs. Additionally, 64.8% reported that their health care team did not discuss financial aspects of care with them. To help meet the needs of the growing population of people impacted by the financial burden of cancer care, the Cancer Support Community, in partnership with Association of Oncology Social Work, Cancer and Careers, Cancer Legal Resource Center, LIVESTRONG, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and Survivorship A – Z, has released the third edition of its highly acclaimed Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Coping with the Cost of Care book today.

“The recent economic downturn has certainly exacerbated financial concerns for cancer patients and their families. Moreover, with ongoing changes to the health care system, cancer patients and their famililies need to know what their options are so that they can ask the right questions and access the tools needed to receive appropriate, effective care. The Cancer Support Community is pleased to continue to address the growing needs of all people affected by cancer,” said Kim Thiboldeaux, President & CEO of the Cancer Support Community.

This dynamic program includes a free patient education booklet, workshops, and online content. Highlights include:

The latest information on the Affordable Care Act
Updated description of Medicare/Medicare Part D
Tips for Effective Communication with Your Employer
Overview of patient assistance programs
Up-To-Date Listing of Resources
Tune in on Tuesday, January 31 at 1pm PST/4pm EST on Voice America’s Health and Wellness channel to hear host Kim Thiboldeaux’s discussion with Joanna Fawzy Morales, the Director of the Cancer Legal Resource Center, Dr. Tom Smith, and Nancy Boozer, a patient featured in the book who has experienced the effects of the high cost of cancer care. To learn more about our radio show, Frankly SpeakingAbout Cancer, or about Coping with the Cost of Care visit www.CancerSupportCommunity.org.

About the Cancer Support Community

Backed by evidence that the best cancer care includes emotional and social support, the Cancer Support Community offers these services to all people affected by cancer. Likely the largest professionally-led network of cancer support worldwide, the organization delivers a comprehensive menu of personalized and essential services. Because no cancer care plan is complete without emotional and social support, the Cancer Support Community has a vibrant network of community-based centers and online services run by trained and licensed professionals. For more information, visit www.CancerSupportCommunity.org.

In July 2009, The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club Worldwide joined forces to become the Cancer Support Community. The combined organization provides high-quality psychological and social support through a network of nearly 50 local affiliates, more than 100 satellite locations and online