By Emily Myatt, Minnesota Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) launched the Survivor Views initiative in June 2019, with the intention of promoting the experiences and feedback of cancer survivors in cancer-related policymaking. By establishing a national panel of more than 3,000 cancer survivors who could regularly share their opinions and personal experiences, we’re better positioned to represent our family members, friends, colleagues and community members who are impacted by this disease. That’s at the core of who we are and what we do: ACS CAN represents the more than 16.9 million people with a history of cancer when we engage with elected officials nationwide. So it’s only right that we learn directly from those impacted by cancer through their stories and experiences.
The latest survey from Survivor Views shows cancer patients and those who’ve recently completed treatment are finding it challenging to get necessary health care in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and many are experiencing financial stress trying to afford care in an increasingly difficult economic environment.
Half (51%) of all those surveyed reported some impact on their care due to the virus. Of those who’ve experienced an effect, nearly 1 in 4 report a delay in care or treatment. The most common delays were for in-person provider appointments, delayed access to imaging services, supportive services, and access to surgical procedures.
One-third of all patients say they’re worried about the impact COVID-19 will have on their ability to get care, a concern that is especially prevalent among patients in active treatment.
Like many across the country, cancer patients are also feeling economic stress in the wake of the pandemic. Nearly 4 in 10 respondents say COVID-19 is having a notable effect on their ability to afford their care, due mostly to reduced work hours. This economic concern is especially pronounced among patients with lower-and middle-class incomes.
COVID-19, access to care, and public policy
ACS CAN is working in Minnesota and in Washington, DC to take action on policy changes that would help patients, many policies that connect to the Cancer Plan 2025. In Minnesota, ACS CAN is pushing lawmakers to ensure coverage for routine care costs for individuals enrolled in an approved clinical trial for Medical Assistance (MA) enrollees. We are also working with the American Indian Cancer Foundation on legislation to decrease barriers to treatment for women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through screening programs funded by the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
ACS CAN is calling on Congress to create a special enrollment period so uninsured or underinsured Americans can enroll in comprehensive health plans established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), increase funding for state Medicaid programs and subsidies to help people who lose their employer-sponsored health care afford their health insurance premiums for up to six months.
Facebook Live event on COVID-19 and cancer
To learn more about the survey and the work the ACS CAN is doing to fight cancer in the time of COVID-19, join us for an interactive Facebook Live event on Thursday, April 23 at 6:30pm CT. ACS CAN’s Amy Farner will share the results of a new, groundbreaking survey identifying how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting cancer patients, what to expect in the future, and how ACS CAN is fighting back. RSVP for this event here.
The Survivor Views survey was conducted using a web-based instrument sent to 3,055 Survivor Views cohort members and promoted to non-panelist respondents through email and social media promotion. The survey was taken by more than 1,200 cancer patients and survivors between March 25 and April 8, 2020 and has a margin of error +/- 3% and 96% confidence level.
For more on the survey results.
