Bill calls for written care plans for cancer patients

A bill aimed at making the cancer patient an informed and active participant in his or her own care was introduced in Congress by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA).

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What's New

NCCS submits comments on the Essential Health Benefits Bulletin published by the Department of Health and Human Services

February 3, 2012

In comments submitted on January 31, 2012, NCCS offered advice to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the definition of essential health benefits (EHB) that must be offered by most individual and small employer health plans and certain public plans.

NCCS joins colleagues in the cancer advocacy community in recommendations on Essential Health Benefits

February 2, 2012

NCCS joined 18 other national cancer patient, professional, and research organizations in recommending modifications to the essential health benefits plan proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

How Obesity Complicates Cancer Treatment

January 31, 2012

Cynthia Washam, Oncology Times

Oncology clinicians have long known that lean cancer patients outlive obese ones, but they're just starting to realize that poor outcomes might be tied to misguided treatment. Whether they're treated with drugs, radiation, or surgery, obese patients have unique risks that might warrant a different approach.

Can patients refuse medical treatment?

January 27, 2012

Trisha Torrey, About.com Patient Empowerment

A woman named Sheryl (not her real name) contacted me recently with a question that seemed rather simple on its face, and turned out to be far more complex. She is 60 years old, and has a terminal disease, for which treatment will be debilitating and possibly painful.

Medical debt puts more at risk

January 25, 2012

Lindy Washburn, NorthJersey.com

Frances Giordano found out she had lung cancer in June. After that, the bad news just kept coming. Frances Giordano, 59, of Dumont is battling lung cancer, the loss of a job due to her illness and staggering medical bills. First, she discovered that even with a good job and health insurance, her medical expenses were more than she could afford on disability.