HealthMarkets Helps The American Cancer Society
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, in 2011 approximately 1,300 women in Tarrant County will hear the words “You have breast cancer.” Research shows that breast cancer patients undergo an array of emotional, physical and psychological effects after losing one or both breasts as part of their cancer treatment. For women who are not candidates for breast reconstruction surgery, wearing a properly fitted breast prosthesis can help them feel more comfortable with a changing appearance and can greatly enhance their quality of life and outlook during their cancer journey. Breast prosthetics can also help protect the chest area and mastectomy scars.
Unfortunately, properly fitted breast prosthesis can be costly – on average $200 or more. For many women this cost is a serious barrier to a healthy recovery. HealthMarkets is proud to work with the North Texas Region of the American Cancer Society (ACS) through sponsorship of the Breast Prosthetics Program. By providing funding for breast prostheses, HealthMarkets hopes to not only ease the financial burden of women going through breast cancer, but also help them build their self-esteem and regain their quality of life during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
Through this program, the American Cancer Society provides educational information, a professional fitting, one breast prosthesis and two post-mastectomy bras free of charge to women who have no financial means, and no other resources, to obtain prosthetics.
In addition to sponsoring the Breast Prosthetics Program, HealthMarkets is also a proud sponsor of the Society’s “Wigs Program for Childhood Cancer Patients” for children in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Please click here to learn more about the Wigs Program.
During the 2011 fiscal year, the American Cancer Society’s North Texas Region provided information, support and tangible services to more than 3,700 cancer patients, family members and caregivers in Tarrant County.
For more information on ACS Breast Prosthetics Program for Cancer Patients , please visit www.cancer.org.