1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. From the time of diagnosis until we reach the 5 year survival rate, we face numerous physical, financial, and emotional challenges including:
Loss of wages, purpose, and socialization from missing work
Surgery (Lumpectomy, Breast Reduction/Reconstruction, Mastectomy)
Side Effects: Pain, swelling, bruising, infection, lymphedema, changes in breast appearance, and possible need for additional surgeries.
Cost Estimates: Lumpectomy: $2,000-5,000 out of pocket after premium health insurance or $5,000-$10,000 without insurance; Breast Reduction/Reconstruction: $5,000-$10,000 out of pocket after premium health insurance or $10,000 - $20,000 without insurance; Mastectomy: $7,000-$15,000 out of pocket after premium health insurance or $15,000 - $30,000 without insurance.
Chemotherapy
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, increased risk of infection, mouth sores, heart damage, nerve damage, and secondary cancers.
Cost Estimates: $5,000 - $20,000 out-of-pocket after premium health insurance coverage or $20,000 - $100,000 without depending on the drugs and duration, without insurance.
Radiation Therapy
Side Effects: Fatigue, skin changes, breast pain, lymphedema, nerve damage, and increased risk of heart and lung problems.
Cost Estimates: $2,000 - $7,000 out-of-pocket after premium health insurance coverage.or $10,000 - $30,000 without insurance.
Hormone Therapy
Side Effects: Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, joint and muscle pain, weight gain, decreased libido, increased risk of blood clots, osteoporosis, and certain types of uterine cancer.
Cost Estimates: $500 - $2,000 out-of-pocket per year after premium health insurance coverage or $1,000 - $5,000 per month without insurance.
Specialty Provider Visits
Cost Estimates: $20 - $50 out-of-pocket per year after premium health insurance coverage or $150 - $500 per visit without insurance.
Lab Tests
Cost Estimates: $10 - $50 out-of-pocket per year after premium health insurance coverage or $100 - $1,000 per visit without insurance.
Pathology Services
Cost Estimates: $50 - $200 out-of-pocket per year after premium health insurance coverage or $500 - $3,000 per test without insurance.
Diagnostic Tests (e.g., MRI, CT scans, PET scans)
Cost Estimates: $50 - $200 out-of-pocket per year after premium health insurance coverage or $1,000 - $10,000 per test without insurance.
Hospital fees: Can include room charges, anesthesia, and other hospital-related costs, which can add up to $1,000 to $10,000 or more per day without insurance.
Emotional Impact
Anxiety and Fear: Worry about cancer recurrence, treatment outcomes, and future health.
Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Body Image Issues: Adjusting to changes in appearance, such as scars, weight changes, or loss of a breast.
Isolation and Loneliness: Feeling disconnected from others and struggling with the emotional burden of the diagnosis.
Grief and Loss: Coping with the loss of health, body function, and sometimes the loss of loved ones who have also been affected by cancer.
Stress: Managing the demands of treatment, medical appointments, and the impact on daily life.