Your life can just turn on a dime in one phone call. Where are you if you get that call today?” ~Breast Cancer Fighter
According to the Susan G. Komen foundation, there will be almost 288,000 new breast cancer diagnoses in the U.S. during 2022. Thankfully, due to better treatment and earlier detection practices, breast cancer mortality rates are decreasing. Along with improved survival, high national awareness of cancer has led to many amazing support and resource programs so that people can be better equipped to face a diagnosis.
Since October is breast cancer awareness month, this is a good time to think about being prepared for that 1 in 288,000 phone call. Breast cancer directly affected our Smyrl Insurance family over the past year, and we would like to share some helpful considerations.
Preparing for the Unknown is Preparing for the Future
Overall, the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is very low, but it is never zero. Most of us see the statistics and simply assume that it will not happen to us. But the reality is that those statistics are made up of real people who may have thought the same thing. While no one knows exactly how they will react or what they will need upon hearing a difficult diagnosis, there are many things the average person can do to prepare for the unexpected.
One of the most unexpected issues people face after starting breast cancer treatment is just how expensive it is. It’s not just the medical expenses, although they are astronomical on their own. Cancer treatment takes time, requires travel, leaves patients feeling weak or sick, and produces side effects like brain fog. Women undergoing treatment cannot always work, sometimes for long periods. Anyone helping someone get to and from treatments will be putting a lot of mileage and gas into their cars, plus they often need to eat out or stay overnight somewhere near the treatment.
The best way to prepare for these expenses is to have systems in place that will prevent financial ruin:
- Review your benefits package at work to make sure you understand your coverage and medical leave policy
- Take a serious look at your employer’s supplemental insurance plans
- Bank Paid Time Off whenever possible to create some cushion
- Build an emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses
While workplace benefits are helpful, some people do end up having to leave their jobs. Speak with your insurance agent about obtaining life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term care insurance as a backup for work provisions. Keep in mind that after a diagnosis, it is already too late to obtain life and disability insurance. These types of insurance are restricted until 5 years after someone is declared cancer free. Even certain genetic testing results can result in policy restrictions. Overall, it is much easier and less expensive to obtain private coverage while young and healthy.
Beyond the financial considerations, everyone should take time to complete a will, power of attorney and durable power of attorney for health care. Sometimes, a diagnosis sets a very fast chain of events in motion, and there may be limited time to make these decisions as thoughtfully as one would like.
Following a Breast Cancer Diagnosis,
Information and Support are Key
The hardest thing to do right after diagnosis is to stay calm and give oneself time to process. Thankfully, oncologists and their staff are experienced in handling the moments after diagnosis and help patients take the next few steps. Often, the first step is to get a second opinion. While the second opinion may only confirm the diagnosis, it gives the individual a chance to compare at least two oncology programs. For the length of time and intensity one spends undergoing cancer treatment, she needs a good relationship with her medical providers.
Health insurance will play a part in choosing an oncologist and care network. Cancer patients need to practice self-advocacy by finding out how different procedures and treatments will be covered. Medical providers will get pre-authorization on many tests and procedures, but individuals need to continually do their own homework. Many insurance companies assign a concierge to help individuals through more involved questions, and nurse navigators are invaluable in helping people learn each hospital’s system.
At first, many cancer patients and their families find it difficult to accept support and help from friends, family, and the community. Eventually, most individuals realize that help is a much needed blessing. People who bring meals, provide transportation to treatments, send notes of encouragement, and offer time to talk are vital to surviving cancer. Support groups, such as those through Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia, offer a safe space to connect with others who have a shared experience. Organizations like Cancer Support Community also offer resources and classes to help people navigate their diagnosis, maintain their health, and make wise treatment decisions.
Continue Living with Purpose While Living with Cancer
Both cancer and its treatments take a serious toll on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health. The same could also be said for their close family members. Despite these challenges, most people with cancer find that living for a purpose helps them through the difficult days.
By participating in a support group, individuals know that they are offering as much help as they receive. Once someone with cancer learns all the medical language, they often reach out to people with a newer diagnosis to help explain terms and share resource connections.
A private Facebook group or e-newsletter website is a great way to keep a select group of friends and family up to date all at once. Writing things out can also be very helpful as a therapeutic exercise or just making a record for posterity. It also gives the individual some control over her story so that she can keep her purpose in mind as she shares it with others.
You Are Not Alone in Your Breast Cancer Battle
While each woman facing breast cancer must go through it herself, she should never feel as though she is completely alone. In fact, once someone goes public about her cancer, she often finds more people who can directly relate than she ever thought possible. From casual acquaintances to business contacts to service providers, women with breast cancer can find connection, resources, and new friendships in places they’ve never looked.
As we travel this path ourselves, we have often paused to reflect on how we have handled cancer. We found that many practical choices over the years allowed us to be more prepared than we expected. At Smyrl Insurance, helping clients review their circumstances to determine the right insurance coverage is not just about business. We truly care about our clients’ ability to face the hardest days of their lives and keep moving forward. Contact us to take a serious look at your current policies to make sure you are prepared for the unknown.
