President Joe Biden has officially designated October 2024 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, calling attention to the ongoing battle against breast cancer and the need to enhance patient assistance.
Caribbean Life reported that the proclamation underscores the importance of research, accessible treatment, and early screening to lower cancer fatalities and assist those impacted.
On a Monday, Biden acknowledged the more than four million breast cancer survivors in the United States while stressing the need to address the hundreds of thousands of new diagnoses anticipated this year.
Despite progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, receiving a cancer diagnosis remains a daunting experience for many.
Patients and their families often find themselves facing significant challenges navigating healthcare systems to obtain necessary treatment.
The financial hardships brought on by expensive medical care are substantial, with some patients experiencing severe economic difficulties.
President Biden, together with Vice President Kamala Harris, personally understands the struggle against cancer, which has affected both their families. Since he took office, Biden has been markedly focused on combating cancer, making it a personal mission.
As part of these efforts, Biden, alongside First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, has revived the Cancer Moonshot initiative.
The ambitious goal of this initiative is to cut the cancer mortality rate by 50% over the next quarter-century while also enhancing the patient experience. This effort reflects the administration's dedication to making significant strides in cancer research and patient care.
Key to these efforts, the administration established the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), which received a $4 billion funding package with bipartisan support. This organization is at the forefront of advancing research to fight cancer and other health challenges.
Efforts to make cancer treatment more affordable are ongoing, focusing on strengthening Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
Millions of Americans have had their health coverage extended, resulting in savings averaging $800 per family per year. One notable legislative advancement is the Inflation Reduction Act, which seeks to limit annual out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications, including those for cancer, to $2,000 for seniors and Medicare recipients.
Patient navigation services have been expanded through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers to assist patients in managing their treatment plans.
Early detection remains a key focus, with the Affordable Care Act mandating insurers cover recommended screenings, like mammograms, crucial for early-stage breast cancer identification.
Through strengthened partnerships with community health centers, the administration aims to improve access to screenings and support services for underserved populations. Additionally, veterans exposed to burn pits have gained increased access to no-cost screenings.
Biden urged a united national approach to supporting individuals and families dealing with breast cancer.
He reminded Americans of the common pain shared in losing loved ones to the disease, stating, “Too many Americans know the pain of losing a mother, sister, wife, daughter, or loved one to breast cancer.”
In the course of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the president emphasized honoring those lost to the disease, stating, “We honor the memories of all those we have lost to this devastating disease.”
He extended gratitude to those dedicated to healthcare and research roles, saying, “We express our gratitude to all the medical professionals and health researchers working tirelessly to end cancer as we know it.”
Biden urged citizens and organizations to participate in activities aimed at heightening awareness and paying tribute to breast cancer victims. Urging collaboration, he said, “Let us gather above party and politics. Unite as Americans to help those struggling with this terrible disease.”
