A diagnosis of cancer presents many challenges. In the effort to cure the disease, medical treatment and physical effects are most focused on. Psychosocial (emotional and social issues) and financial concerns are often neglected and can greatly affect the patients’ well-being.
No one understands this better, than the founder of CBeyondcancer, Callae Brownstein. Callae is a survivor of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma. She believes she was able to beat her cancer due to the quality of care she received in addition to her family and emotional support. In addition to fundraising for CBeyondcancer, Callae has committed to donate 10% of all sales from her jewelry design business CB Luxe to CBeyondcancer.
The financial costs associated with cancer are often overwhelming. Having health insurance doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to afford treatment and other the following associated costs;
Direct medical costs:
These include doctors’ fees, hospital charges, and medication. If you have health insurance, your insurance will cover some, but probably not all such as brand label prescription drugs.
Non-medical costs:
These may include the cost of transportation to and from treatment, over-the-counter medications, child care, home care, and medical devices or supplies.
Daily living expenses:
These may include food, housing, utilities and transportation which could become more difficult once a patient or caregiver stops working.
In addition to financial need, cancer patients may lack the psychosocial support necessary to beat cancer. According to a 2007 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on this topic, Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs, psychosocial problems include: lack of information/support, emotional difficulties(depression, anxiety) ,lack of transportation, work, family life and school disruption and Insufficient financial resources. The influence of emotional and social issues may be reduced through communication regarding coping mechanisms, financials constraints and scheduling appointments. There are many support services available for people with cancer, and being linked provides an enormous benefit to the patient’s overall care and outcomes. Please click on the IOM link for more information.