FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Breast Cancer Copay Assistance Program Launched by The Assistance Fund
• First new program launched in 2019 by The Assistance Fund
• Program provides eligible individuals with financial assistance for Breast Cancer treatment-related copayments
ORLANDO, Fla., January 8, 2019 —The Assistance Fund, an independent charitable patient assistance foundation that helps patients and families facing high medical out-of-pocket costs, today announced the opening of a new copay assistance program designed to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals living with Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth in the breast, which can develop into tumors and invade surrounding tissues and other parts of the body. Breast Cancer can spread when cancerous cells make their way into the blood stream or lymph system.1 Often, Breast Cancer symptoms present as changes to the appearance, including size, shape and texture, of the breast.2
Breast Cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women,2 with an estimated 266,000 new cases diagnosed in 2018.3 Depending on the stage and type of Breast Cancer there are a number of treatment options available, including hormonal, biological or radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In some instances, patients will need to have the cancerous tissue surgically removed.4
“We are pleased to start off the year with the opening of our Breast Cancer Copay Assistance Program. While great progress has been made in Breast Cancer research and treatment over the past couple of years, one often underrecognized reality of living with the disease is the financial burden,” said Mark P. McGreevy, President and CEO, The Assistance Fund. “This new copay assistance program provides the opportunity to help individuals living with Breast Cancer take charge of their treatment without the added stress of making difficult financial decisions.”
To learn more or determine eligibility for financial support, individuals should visit tafcares.org or call (855) 730-5871 to speak with a patient advocate. A list of all the programs available at The Assistance Fund can be found on the website tafcares.org. About The Assistance Fund The Assistance Fund is an independent charitable patient assistance foundation that helps patients and families facing high medical out-of-pocket costs by providing financial assistance for their copayments, coinsurance, deductibles and other health-related expenses. The Assistance Fund currently manages more than 50 programs – each of which covers the FDA-approved medications that treat a specific disease. Since its founding in 2009, The Assistance Fund has helped more than 78,000 adults and children access the medicines they need to stay healthy or manage a chronic condition. To learn more about The Assistance Fund, or for information on how to donate, please visit tafcares.org.
Media Contact
Margaret Figley
Director of Communications
margaret.figley@tafcares.org
References
1. “About Breast Cancer.” American Cancer Society. 2017. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/what-is-breast-cancer.html. 2. “Breast Cancer. Symptoms & Causes.” Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470. 3. “Cancer Stat Facts: Female Breast Cancer.” National Cancer Institute. 2018. Retrieved from: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html. 4. “Breast Cancer. How Is Breast Cancer Treated?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2018. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/treatment.htm.