RALEIGH, N.C. — Breast cancer kills 113 people each day, according to the Susan G. Koman Foundation. In particular, African American women die from breast cancer 41 percent more than Caucasian women, and it’s the leading cause of death for Hispanic women.

  • Our area will use a $300,000 donation from Blue Cross NC to help expand the Komen’s Treatment Assistance Program in the state
  • Komen’s Treatment Assistance Program already helps those in need of health care treatments, through breast cancer education, psychological support, and information about local resources
  • To be eligible, patients must have incomes at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty line and an active breast cancer diagnosis

That’s why Susan G. Komen North Carolina Triangle to the Coast and Charlotte are teaming up with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, to help provide new treatment assistance investment for local breast cancer patients. Their “Bold Goal” is aiming to reduce current breast cancer deaths by 50 percent in the US by 2026. 

Our area will use a $300,000 donation from Blue Cross NC to help expand the Komen’s Treatment Assistance Program in the state.

Susan G. Komen NC Triangle to the Coast Executive Director Pam Kohl, and Chief People Officer at Blue Cross NC, Fara Palumbo, sat down with Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair for a look at their bold initiative.

Raising awareness about early detection is key but we know from Metastatic or Stage IV cancer, that doesn’t save every life.  Access to health care is also key. 

Kohl says no one should have to choose between putting food on the table and receiving treatments for cancer. However, many barriers keep people in North Carolina from getting the help they need. Kohl and Palumbo hope this new initiative will help make a difference in some of those people’s lives.

Komen’s scientific advisers estimate that up to 1/3 or more of women who die of breast cancer today could be saved through timely connections to quality care that already exists. But it’s critically important to help find a cure for breast cancer that spreads to other parts of the body.

Komen’s Treatment Assistance Program already helps those in need of health care treatments, through breast cancer education, psychological support, and information about local resources. The program covers the following for low-income or uninsured patients:

  • Limited costs oral pain medications
  • Anti-nausea med
  • Schemotherapy/hormone therapy
  • Child care/elder care
  • Home care, transportation
  • Lymphedema care and supplies
  • Durable medical equipment

To be eligible, patients must have incomes at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty line and an active breast cancer diagnosis.  For more information, call the Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline, Monday- Friday. 9am- 10pm, at 1-877-465-6656 (GO KOMEN) or email them at helpline@komen.org.

For more information on Komen North Carolina Triangle to the Coast, visit their website or call 919-493-2873.  For more information on Komen Charlotte, visit their website or call 704-347-8181.

 

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