Health Insurance News - Fewer Breast Cancer Deaths
Individuals without health insurance may be inclined to skip routine medical exams, but a recent study about breast cancer highlights the importance of early detection and treatment.
According to The Globe and Mail, the Canadian Cancer Society reports that the breast cancer death rate is falling due to improvements in detection and treatment of the disease.
The breast cancer death rate has fallen from 30 cases out of 100,000 in 1986 to about 22 cases per 100,000. Due to medical advancements, 86% of women now survive at least 5 years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The cancer society recommends that women between the ages of 50-69 undergo a mammography every 2 years, but only 34-61% of women are following this advice and getting tested.
Breast cancer can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Early menstruation, birthing age, late menopause, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy may come into play, but carrying the breast cancer genes (mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2) poses the greatest risk. Alcohol consumption, inactivity and obesity can also increase the risk of breast cancer.
During a routine exam, Jane Hawley, an educational assistant, was advised to get a mammogram. At first, Hawley saw the test as a waste of time because she didn't think she was at risk. But she went ahead with the exam, and the doctor discovered a small lump that was cancerous. Because of early detection, Hawley is now living cancer-free after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
This shows just how important it is to get routine medical exams. In the case of Ms. Hawley, it saved her life. If you're hesitant to go to the doctor because you don't have insurance, you may be putting yourself at risk.
It's always a good idea to have health insurance and affordable health plans are available for individuals and families. Calculate how much you can afford and compare a wide range of plans to make sure you're getting the coverage you need.
According to The Globe and Mail, the Canadian Cancer Society reports that the breast cancer death rate is falling due to improvements in detection and treatment of the disease.
The breast cancer death rate has fallen from 30 cases out of 100,000 in 1986 to about 22 cases per 100,000. Due to medical advancements, 86% of women now survive at least 5 years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The cancer society recommends that women between the ages of 50-69 undergo a mammography every 2 years, but only 34-61% of women are following this advice and getting tested.
Breast cancer can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Early menstruation, birthing age, late menopause, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy may come into play, but carrying the breast cancer genes (mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2) poses the greatest risk. Alcohol consumption, inactivity and obesity can also increase the risk of breast cancer.
During a routine exam, Jane Hawley, an educational assistant, was advised to get a mammogram. At first, Hawley saw the test as a waste of time because she didn't think she was at risk. But she went ahead with the exam, and the doctor discovered a small lump that was cancerous. Because of early detection, Hawley is now living cancer-free after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
This shows just how important it is to get routine medical exams. In the case of Ms. Hawley, it saved her life. If you're hesitant to go to the doctor because you don't have insurance, you may be putting yourself at risk.
It's always a good idea to have health insurance and affordable health plans are available for individuals and families. Calculate how much you can afford and compare a wide range of plans to make sure you're getting the coverage you need.
