By Susan Gubar A radio producer investigating cancer costs once asked me, “What is another year of your life worth?” During my flummoxed silence, she informed me that experts mention the figure $50,000. Can patients like me — older people with recurrent disease — estimate the expense of a future … [Read more...] about Pricing a Year of Life
Essays from authors
The Cost of Cancer by Suleika Jaouad
When I blow out my birthday candles next month, I’ll celebrate being alive. But my 25th birthday will also mark a one-year countdown to the date when I will no longer have health insurance. Like many, many other young adults who don’t have insurance through an employer, I rely on the insurance … [Read more...] about The Cost of Cancer by Suleika Jaouad
Medical Bills, Insurance and Uncertainty by Suleika Jaouad
Like a lot of other young people, I never thought about health insurance until I got sick. I was 22, and my adult life was just beginning. But less than a year after walking across the stage at my college graduation, I received an unexpected diagnosis — acute myeloid leukemia — and with it came a … [Read more...] about Medical Bills, Insurance and Uncertainty by Suleika Jaouad
Cancer Exacts a Significant Financial Burden
Cancer exacts a significant financial burden for many survivors. They may leave treatment in heavy debt, be forced into early retirement, or lose their jobs during the demanding treatment cycle. If they eventually change employers, they may be unable to qualify for health insurance or an affordable … [Read more...] about Cancer Exacts a Significant Financial Burden
5 Ways to Avoid Cancer Metastasizing to Your Wallet by Dena Stern
Did you know that cancer is the leading cause of bankruptcy among young adults? Or that the average breast cancer diagnosis will end up costing $128,000? When I was 29 and diagnosed with breast cancer, I had very little savings. I definitely didn’t have that. Before each chemo appointment, I need … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Avoid Cancer Metastasizing to Your Wallet by Dena Stern