Affordable Care Act: New Tool in Fight Against Breast Cancer
11,800 New Cases Diagnosed in Florida Yearly
Posted October 21, 2013 07:45 am
TALLAHASSEE, FL -
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and
this year marks a major change for women's ability to
get the health care services they need to diagnose and
treat the disease.
According to Lynn Williams of the
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, under
the Affordable Care Act, women cannot be denied coverage
because of pre-existing medical conditions, "and it is
making cancer screenings and other preventive care
available at no cost through some of the insurance plans
that are being provided."
The preventive care includes annual mammograms for women
starting at age 40.
Williams explained that getting regular exams and
screenings is vital, as the sooner breast cancer is
caught, the better the odds of survival.
"Early detection is key, and it is important for women
to seek treatment as soon as possible when they are
detected, because there are many advances in treatment
for breast cancer, and many more survivors of breast
cancer today than ever before," she said.
In Florida this year, almost 12,000 new breast cancer
cases will be detected, and an estimated 2700 of them
will be fatal.
Enrollment in coverage plans under the new health-care
exchange is now in progress, with policies to take
effect January 1.
Photos/graphics and links added by the Observer