November 16, 2009, the US Preventive Services Task Force reversed breast cancer screening recommendations which sparked nationwide outrage. I was among the thousands of women who came forward to talk about the importance of early detection after having been diagnosed with breast cancer while in our 40’s.
Two days following the USPSTF announcement, Chuck Poizner, Insurance Commissioner made an announcement to clarify that state law continues to require insurance coverage for breast cancer screening. State insurance code currently dictates "that women age 35 to 39 are entitled to a baseline mammogram. Women age 40 to 49 can get a mammogram every two years, or more frequently if their physician recommends it, and women 50 and older are to be provided a mammogram every year".
Less than a month later, the State of California Department of Public Health announced significant cuts to its Every Woman Counts program, effectively shutting the doors to breast cancer screening services for low-income and uninsured women for the first six months of 2010. Citing budgetary concerns, the state also announced that once they begin screening new patients this summer, only women age 50 and above will be eligible – significantly reducing the number of women in the state that will have access to affordable breast cancer screenings. All seven Komen Affiliates in California are actively working with members of the State Assembly and other members of the public health community to bring attention to these cuts and to work toward getting the services restored.
To explain budgetary concerns, revenue has declined from the Tobacco Tax fund and there has been increasing demand for breast cancer screening. Why the increase in demand? Breast self- awareness education and rising unemployment (currently at 16% in Fresno County). Many of those who once had private insurance through their employer cannot afford COBRA plans.
Effective January 1, 2010: Women who were once eligible for breast cancer screening age 40-49 are no longer eligible. Women age 50 and older must wait to enroll in the Every Woman Counts program due to services being suspended until July 1, 2010.
All seven Komen Affiliates in California are actively working with members of the State Assembly and other members of the public health community to bring attention to these cuts and to work toward getting the services restored.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Thursday, November 19, 2009
CA State Law Continues To Require Insurance Coverage for Breast Cancer Screeings
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 18, 2009
NEWS RELEASE
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER POIZNER CLARIFIES THAT STATE LAW
CONTINUES TO REQUIRE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today reminded Californians that a state law remains in place that dictates women still have the right under their insurance coverage to be given mammograms for breast cancer screenings beginning at age 35.
“Scientists can and should continue to research the best ways to treat our medical ailments,” Commissioner Poizner said. “However, regardless of what recent medical panels have said, state law continues to require insurance companies to cover mammograms for women as early as age 35.”
State insurance code currently dictates that women age 35 to 39 are entitled to a baseline mammogram. Women age 40 to 49 can get a mammogram every two years, or more frequently if their physician recommends it, and women 50 and older are to be provided a mammogram every year.
On Nov. 16, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force reversed existing breast cancer screening recommendations and touched off a furious debate among insurance providers, doctors and patients. The Task Force said women should only get mammograms once every two years starting at age 50 instead of every one or two years at age 40, as had been the norm for decades.
The relevant section of state law can be found at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=ins&group=10001-11000&file=10110-10127.18
10123.81. On or after January 1, 2000, every individual or group policy of disability insurance or self-insured employee welfare benefit plan that is issued, amended, or renewed, shall be deemed to provide coverage for at least the following, upon the referral of a nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, or physician, providing care to the patient and operating within the scope of practice provided under existing law for breast cancer screening or diagnostic purposes:
(a) A baseline mammogram for women age 35 to 39, inclusive.
(b) A mammogram for women age 40 to 49, inclusive, every two years or more frequently based on the women's physician's recommendation.
(c) A mammogram every year for women age 50 and over.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require an individual or group policy to cover the surgical procedure known as mastectomy or to prevent application of deductible or copayment provisions contained in the policy or plan, nor shall this section be construed to require that coverage under an individual or group policy be extended to any other procedures.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize an insured or plan member to receive the coverage required by this section if that coverage is furnished by a nonparticipating provider, unless the insured or plan member is referred to that provider by a participating physician, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife providing care.
NEWS RELEASE
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER POIZNER CLARIFIES THAT STATE LAW
CONTINUES TO REQUIRE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today reminded Californians that a state law remains in place that dictates women still have the right under their insurance coverage to be given mammograms for breast cancer screenings beginning at age 35.
“Scientists can and should continue to research the best ways to treat our medical ailments,” Commissioner Poizner said. “However, regardless of what recent medical panels have said, state law continues to require insurance companies to cover mammograms for women as early as age 35.”
State insurance code currently dictates that women age 35 to 39 are entitled to a baseline mammogram. Women age 40 to 49 can get a mammogram every two years, or more frequently if their physician recommends it, and women 50 and older are to be provided a mammogram every year.
On Nov. 16, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force reversed existing breast cancer screening recommendations and touched off a furious debate among insurance providers, doctors and patients. The Task Force said women should only get mammograms once every two years starting at age 50 instead of every one or two years at age 40, as had been the norm for decades.
The relevant section of state law can be found at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=ins&group=10001-11000&file=10110-10127.18
10123.81. On or after January 1, 2000, every individual or group policy of disability insurance or self-insured employee welfare benefit plan that is issued, amended, or renewed, shall be deemed to provide coverage for at least the following, upon the referral of a nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, or physician, providing care to the patient and operating within the scope of practice provided under existing law for breast cancer screening or diagnostic purposes:
(a) A baseline mammogram for women age 35 to 39, inclusive.
(b) A mammogram for women age 40 to 49, inclusive, every two years or more frequently based on the women's physician's recommendation.
(c) A mammogram every year for women age 50 and over.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require an individual or group policy to cover the surgical procedure known as mastectomy or to prevent application of deductible or copayment provisions contained in the policy or plan, nor shall this section be construed to require that coverage under an individual or group policy be extended to any other procedures.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize an insured or plan member to receive the coverage required by this section if that coverage is furnished by a nonparticipating provider, unless the insured or plan member is referred to that provider by a participating physician, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife providing care.
Monday, November 16, 2009
SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE® RECOMMENDS NO IMPEDIMENTS TO BREAST CANCER SCREENING
Until Science Improves, Current Screening Recommendations Should Remain, World’s Leading Breast Cancer Organization Reports
DALLAS – Nov. 16, 2009 – Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s leading breast cancer advocacy organization, has carefully reviewed the data and new recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concerning mammography screening. Komen for the Cure issued the following statement today from Eric P. Winer, M.D., chief scientific advisor and chair of Komen’s Scientific Advisory Board.
“Susan G. Komen for the Cure wants to eliminate any impediments to regular mammography screening for women age 40 and older. While there is no question that mammograms save lives for women over 50 and women 40–49, there is enough uncertainty about the age at which mammography should begin and the frequency of screening that we would not want to see a change in policy for screening mammography at this time. Komen’s current screening guidelines can be found at www.komen.org and would not be changed without serious consideration.
Our real focus, however, should be on the fact that one-third of the women who qualify for screening under today’s guidelines are not being screened due to lack of access, education or awareness. That issue needs focus and attention: if we can make progress with screening in vulnerable populations, we could make more progress in the fight against breast cancer.
Mammography is not perfect, but is still our best tool for early detection and successful treatment of this disease. New screening approaches and more individualized recommendations for breast cancer screening are urgently needed. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is currently funding research initiatives designed to improve screening, and we believe that it is imperative that this research move forward rapidly. Komen also provides funding for more than 1,900 education, awareness and screening programs.
We encourage women to be aware of their breast health, understand their risks, and continue to follow existing recommendations for routine screenings including mammography beginning at age 40.”
DALLAS – Nov. 16, 2009 – Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s leading breast cancer advocacy organization, has carefully reviewed the data and new recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concerning mammography screening. Komen for the Cure issued the following statement today from Eric P. Winer, M.D., chief scientific advisor and chair of Komen’s Scientific Advisory Board.
“Susan G. Komen for the Cure wants to eliminate any impediments to regular mammography screening for women age 40 and older. While there is no question that mammograms save lives for women over 50 and women 40–49, there is enough uncertainty about the age at which mammography should begin and the frequency of screening that we would not want to see a change in policy for screening mammography at this time. Komen’s current screening guidelines can be found at www.komen.org and would not be changed without serious consideration.
Our real focus, however, should be on the fact that one-third of the women who qualify for screening under today’s guidelines are not being screened due to lack of access, education or awareness. That issue needs focus and attention: if we can make progress with screening in vulnerable populations, we could make more progress in the fight against breast cancer.
Mammography is not perfect, but is still our best tool for early detection and successful treatment of this disease. New screening approaches and more individualized recommendations for breast cancer screening are urgently needed. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is currently funding research initiatives designed to improve screening, and we believe that it is imperative that this research move forward rapidly. Komen also provides funding for more than 1,900 education, awareness and screening programs.
We encourage women to be aware of their breast health, understand their risks, and continue to follow existing recommendations for routine screenings including mammography beginning at age 40.”
Friday, October 9, 2009
Why The Running Ribbon Is Exclusive to Komen
What does the Komen Running Ribbon signify? This ribbon exclusive to Komen pays homage to the inspiration behind our legacy, serves as a reminder that the lives of real women are at stake. Movement of the ribbon symbolizes the humanity in all that Komen does and the energy and forward momentum we employ as we work to end breast cancer forever.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Komen Celebration of Life Survivor Luncheon
Today's Annual Celebration of Life Survivor Luncheon was a great success! TorNino’s was transformed from a banquet hall into a sea of Komen pink. Dark pink and light pink adorned the table dressings with beautiful pink flower arrangements. I recognized the faces of many survivor sisters and was delighted to see many newcomers. Thanks to all volunteers whose efforts ensured a beautiful experience for all, and to our speakers; Dr. Amanda Reeve from Kaiser, Sheriff Margaret Mims, our own Jamie Ledezma and Nancy Shanafelt. Special thanks to Katie H. three time cancer survivor who was able to obtain a Proclamation by Mayor Ashley Swearengin.
Coping With Chemo Brain
I was diagnosed with breast cancer December 29, 1999. I underwent chemotherapy (CMF) in 2000 and began to experience the frustration of short-term memory loss. Family and friends assisted me with helpful hints to keep my life organized and frustration at a minimum. I wrote the following article for the Komen Central Valley Newsletter. Other Komen Affiliates have reprinted for their readers as coping with chemo brain is rarely discussed.
This is for my friend K.H. and all others who are battling cancer and undergoing chemo.
Memory and concentration problems often plague women and men who have undergone chemotherapy. The majority of research that provides statistics about short term memory loss in conjunction with chemotherapy is studies of women treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer. The simple description for this memory loss is called chemo brain. By definition this phenomenon can be are explained as cognitive dysfunction.
As reported online by breastcancer.org in an excerpt from Cancer, June 2004, ” a number of studies on this topic have found that about 20–30% of women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer had some problems with cognitive function. But so far the studies have not explained exactly how chemotherapy might be affecting the brain.”
Other factors that can affect memory and concentration during and after chemotherapy are emotional stress, depression, early onset of menopause and sleep deprivation.
When I underwent chemotherapy almost 10 years ago, I had not read about chemo brain, nor did I have a clue that chemo could be a contributing factor to short term memory loss. It began around my third chemotherapy treatment. Prior to chemo, I never kept an appointment book, I always remembered appointments and birthdays and my brain was like a mini phone book. Imagine my surprise when I briefly forgot my own phone number! One day I said to a co-worker, “Please hand me that, a, a….that thing”, when I clearly meant a pencil, but couldn’t remember what it was called. The final straw was when I forgot my PIN number while attempting to use my ATM card. Cashless, I came home and began an internet search on memory loss. This is when I first learned the term chemo brain. Three days later, I remembered where I hid my PIN number. I also had forgotten where I put the key to my safe and file cabinet. I had fleeting moments in the following weeks where I forgot my online passwords. It was then I realized that I should write everything down and hand it over to a trustworthy person for safekeeping.
When I was undergoing chemotherapy, my family and friends assisted me in writing following rules to help keep my life organized and relatively frustration free. No matter how mundane these organizational tools seem now, I can assure you, they will prevent great frustration:
· If you must, write your PIN number in ink in the palm of your hand before going to the ATM.
· Choose a Daily Planner with notebook paper that you can keep in your purse. When a thought strikes you as important enough to remember later, write it down. If you have a “to-do” list, write it in this notebook. Document important dates, birthdays, anniversaries etc.
· When scheduling follow up Dr’s appointments, write the appointment in the calendar portion of the Daily Planner while scheduling with the receptionist. They may ask you if you’d like an appointment card—go green and decline the card. In my experience, I would lose the card and have to call for the correct date anyway.
· When opening mail, always sort through your mail in the same location daily. Always put your bills in one place and organize by payment due date. If you don’t have auto bill pay for your credit cards, house payment or insurance withdrawls, consider scheduling auto bill pay. If you choose not to do that, make a chart of dates that online bills should be paid.
· Immediately shred junk mail.
· If you elect not to convert to auto bill pay, bookmark all credit card, mortgage etc sites.
· Copy all these bill paying sites and include passwords to these sites by creating a simple Excel spreadsheet with this information. Make a copy of this document and give to someone you trust. Password protect this file. What if you forget the password? Give this password to the same person you trust.
· On the same Excel spreadsheet, list the place you are likely to hide important documents ie; social security cards, passport and PIN numbers. Same goes for where you may hide a safety deposit box key, extra house and car keys.
· If you do not have a computer and hand write your list, at least tell that trusted someone where you’ve hidden it.
· If that is the case, refrain from bill paying etc. late at night as that trusted someone may not appreciate a call at 11:00 PM.
· If you are still a check writer, immediately document the check. If you strictly use ATM for purchases, continue to use a check register to document.
· If you take medication, purchase a pill organizer (preferably the kind that organizes pills for the week and separates AM and PM dosage)
· If a friend or family member is unable to accompany you for Dr’s appointments, take notes.
· Maintain a sense of humor regards these bouts of short-term memory loss. Someday these stories will provide excellent party conversation.
· If you can’t remember anything else, remember that laughter is the best medicine! The short term memory loss will pass. Your experience and advice will someday help someone else.
Now, have I forgotten to mention anything?
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