1. Living in Pink
The Financial Challenges of Breast Cancer
By: Kaitlyn Jaeger

2. 1in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast
cancer during their lifetime
American Cancer Society

3. Out of those women diagnosed with breast cancer,
40%
will have
trouble
paying health
care costs
EverydayHealth.com

4. Why?

5. Breast Cancer Is Expensive
$$$
In 2006, the American public paid
$104.1 Billion
with the majority of that money going toward breast cancer treatment
EDailyFinance.com

6. For individual patients, the cost for breast cancer
treatment varies, but the overall cost can top
$300,000
or more for severe cases
EverydayHealth.com

7. This doesn’t include out-of-pocket costs like:
Transportation Costs Child Care Nutrition Costs
Time Off from Work Cosmetic Costs
EverydayHealth.com

8. These additional expenses may cost more than
$$$
$1,500
per month
ChecktheBreast.com

9. Cutting Prescriptions
Because of the
high costs
associated with
Not Going to the Doctor
breast cancer,
patients are:
Not Receiving
Preventive Services
EverydayHealth.com

10. Whether you have insurance or not, breast
cancer is expensive, but there are ways
you can lower your costs.

11. How?

12. Develop a Budget
Make a list of your monthly expenses
Try to find areas that you can cut
back and determine areas you’ll
need help financially
BreastCancer.org

13. Talk to Your Doctor
Your doctor is an excellent resource for
financial assistance. He or she may be
able to help you:
Set up a payment plan
Obtain funding through the hospital
Find local organizations that offer financial assistance
Find out if you are eligible for any clincial trials
BreastCancer.org

14. Seek Out Local Agencies
and Nonprofits
Throughout the United States, there are
government agencies and nonprofit organizations
that offer financial assistance to those affected by
breast cancer. Do a simple online search and see
what organizations are located in your area.
They may be able to help you find the
assistance and support you need.
ChecktheBreast.com

15. References
American Cancer Society (2012). The cost of cancer treatment. Retrieved from http://www.can
cer.org/treatment/findingandpayingfortreatment/managinginsur
anceissues/the-cost-of-cancer-treatment
BreastCancer.org (2012). Retrieved from http://www.breastcancer.org/tips
Check the Breast (2012). How much does breast cancer treatment cost? Retrieved from http://www.
checkthebreast.com/faq-breast-cancer/how-much-does-breast-cancer-treatment-cost.html
Nance-Nash, S. (2011). Breast cancer’s financial toll: The high cost of fighting for your life. Retrieved
from http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/10/05/breast-cancers-finan
cial-toll-the-high-cost-of-fighting-for-yo/
Vann, M. (2010). Coping with the cost of breast cancer. Retrieved from http://www.everyday
health.com/breast-cancer-/coping-with-the-cost-of-breast-cancer.aspx