The Impact of Covid-19 on Breast Cancer Patients

The last 18 months have challenged us in ways we never imagined. Quarantining at

home for nearly a year. Working from home even longer. Wearing masks in public.

Keeping a safe distance from loved ones to minimize the risk of exposure.

But it also has brought out the best in people. Helping neighbors with grocery

deliveries. Extending common courtesies to each other that had disappeared from

everyday life. Calling elderly relatives to make sure they are safe and healthy.

Breast cancer patients have faced even more challenges than those encountered

during “normal” times. The pandemic has affected many aspects of breast cancer care

in the US and across the globe.  A survey conducted by www.breastcancer.org from

April to June 2020, discovered:

 Many patients delayed routine breast cancer care, including clinical visits,

monitoring, routine mammograms, therapy, surgery, and reconstruction.

 About 26% of the respondents reported they or a family member had lost their

job, and about 42% reported they or a family member had their hours cut,

resulting in financial uncertainty and emotional distress.

In a survey by the American Cancer Society, 46% of the respondents said that they

were experiencing financial concerns regarding their ability to pay for health care.

And a study by the Institute of Women's Policy Research (June 2021) reveals that in

the last year, women have been disproportionately financially impacted than men in

terms of job losses and their ability to afford health care. 

The medical professionals on the SOPF board of directors report similar experiences

with patients in SE Michigan. Women have delayed routine mammograms, resulting in

the diagnosis of more advanced cases of breast cancer, higher testing costs, and longer

courses of treatment. 

For 16 years Shades of Pink Foundation has provided temporary financial assistance to

local breast cancer patients impacted by their breast cancer treatment. There has been

an uptick in the number of applications received and we expect this trend to continue.

By lessening the financial burden, we provide cancer patients an opportunity to

concentrate on their treatment and healing. To support SOPF, initiate the application

process or learn more, contact Karla at karla@shadesofpinkfoundation.com.