On Friday, March 2nd, Susan G. Komen North Texas hosted its very first Scholar Breakfast, an event that brings in a Komen Scholar – a researcher and/or clinician who receives funding from Komen for breast cancer research – to discuss different breast cancer topics.
Komen Scholar Dr. Sharon Giordano met patients in her own practice who were hesitant to seek the care they needed because of the cost of breast cancer treatment. She knew more research was needed into the financial toxicity of treatment – research that Susan G. Komen also sees as an important part in ensuring that everyone can access high quality breast cancer care.
She spoke to nearly 100 attendees about the realities patients face, even when they have health insurance – like delaying diagnosis, skipping or stopping medication, using up their savings or even filing for bankruptcy. Research showed that the burden is especially high for young and low-income households who have to battle the disease.
She encouraged physicians and patients alike to play a role in solving the problem: physicians must take responsibility for knowing financial ramifications of care, and patients should not be afraid to ask about/discuss finances with their provider. Finances should not stop anyone from getting the care they need to overcome breast cancer.
Finally, she encouraged attendees to visit resources on komen.org and call the Breast Care Helpline (1 877 GO KOMEN) if they have any questions about insurance, financial assistance or breast cancer in general.
Thank you to all of the sponsors of the 2018 Komen Scholar Breakfast, especially Presenting Sponsor Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.