Does Breast Cancer Insurance Provide Me with More Treatment Options?


Author: Cancer Plans
A woman has a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in her life. Her risk increases exponentially if she has a family history of breast cancer. Unfortunately, traditional insurance plans are often more responsible than a woman and her doctor when it comes to developing and implementing a treatment plan. A breast cancer insurance policy ensures that medical decisions are made by those who understand the disease best: a woman and her doctors, not an insurance company.

A simple mastectomy is the term used to describe the total removal of the breast, but the surgeon leaves the muscle tissue and lymph nodes intact. A radical mastectomy occurs when the lymph nodes, muscle and breast are removed. After a mastectomy, a woman usually has her breast (or breasts) surgically reconstructed by a plastic surgeon. All insurance companies are required to cover breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.

A lumpectomy is a less invasive procedure where the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue are removed, but the breast is left intact. Lumpectomies are followed by a course of radiation therapy, designed to "kill" any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy generally lasts about 5 weeks.

When given a choice between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy, many women choose the more invasive mastectomy. While their choice is often based on their belief that it is a more effective treatment, or they prefer to have the cancer "over and done with", other women are denied the choice because of their insurance policy. Many traditional insurance policies refuse to cover the course of radiation treatment, even though it has been proven as an effective and cost efficient treatment.

With breast cancer insurance, the additional costs associated with radiation therapy are covered. These costs can include travel to and from the treatment center, covering lost wages due to being out of work, and the costs associated with the treatment itself. Costs incurred during radiation treatment include fees for equipment, drugs, and the medical staff. After treatment for breast cancer, indirect medical expenses may include utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, childcare and transportation. A cancer insurance policy provides a financial "safety net" to keep you sane and solvent after a breast cancer diagnosis.

CancerPlans.com is designed to provide cancer patients with the freedom to pursue the health options they feel will most meet their needs. A breast cancer insurance policy, like all Cancer Plans, provides supplemental cash to cover any additional expenses. Breast cancer insurance is guaranteed renewable and can serve as a supplemental or a stand-alone insurance policy.
Source: articlesbase