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When it comes to a cancer diagnosis, one big stressor is figuring out how you will afford the doctor’s visits, the diagnostic testing, and the treatments. Even with health insurance, treatment for cancer can be expensive. It is important to gather information about the expenses associated with your treatment and to be able to know your options.

Just when we started to hope that the debate over the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was at an end, a new plan to repeal and replace the law has been introduced. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) have introduced a bill that would be devastating to individuals living with chronic illness including those who have been impacted by cancer.

Marcia Donziger, a 20-year cancer survivor, talks about how her own and her friends' cancer journeys led to the creation of MyLifeLine.org. MyLifeLine offers patients a way to connect with their loved ones through a free, private personal webpage to keep family and friends informed about how they are doing.

For our 35^th anniversary year, as part of our Fall Cancer Awareness campaign, the Cancer Support Community would like to highlight the treatment decision making process and some possible treatment options so that you or your loved ones are “empowered by knowledge!”

Efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA or “Obamacare) have been unsuccessful thus far. Although the House passed the “American Health Care Act” in May, the Senate did not pass their companion bill, the “Better Care Reconciliation Act.” However, efforts to repeal and replace the ACA are far from over, and CSC is concerned that several mechanisms may undermine the ability of individuals to access comprehensive, high-quality, timely, and affordable health care coverage.

During this fall, we want to take the time to honor the many Cancer Awareness dates and months that take place throughout this time of year. So, we are highlighting the Cancer Awareness months by revisiting the three pillars of our mission.

Hospitals can bring about anxiety, fear, or curiosity, so staying in a hospital for long-periods of time is difficult for most people. If you do have to be in a hospital for an extended period of time like my mother did when she was diagnosed with colon cancer three years ago, here are a few tips on how to handle those long hospital stays:

On August 17, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration Reauthorization Act of 2017 (FDARA) became law. FDARA is primarily responsible for funding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so that the agency can review and approve drugs and devices in a timely manner. It also contains provisions that provide guidance for manufacturers on how they conduct research on the drugs and devices they are developing.

With the summer months swimming by, the Cancer Support Community HQ staff would like to share 5 tips for some inspiration to healthy living.

National Health Center’s week is dedicated to making a difference in healthcare and further elevating the patient voice. We hope our many resources will ensure no one faces cancer alone!