Dear Friends,

August gave us multiple chances to recognize cancer patients and their loved ones.

This month included paying tribute to the legacy of late Sen. John McCain, joining with our affiliates at the Affiliate Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, and discussing making treatment decisions for metastatic breast cancer.

Please take a look below at what else we were up to in August and spread the word to your friends and family about our free resources.

In Appreciation,

The Cancer Support Community Team

CSC Honors Sen. John McCain

On Saturday, August 25, Sen. John McCain passed away from glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer.

We joined with millions of other Americans in honoring the late senator.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with brain cancer, we are here to help. View our brain tumors & spinal cord tumors page for resources and support.

Opportunity to Listen: MBC Radio Show

The latest episode in our special series “Spotlight on Metastatic Breast Cancer” focused on deciding on a course of treatment when you are first diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer or when it is time for a new or different treatment.

Thanks to better and more targeted treatment options, women are living longer than ever with metastatic breast cancer.

How do you decide which treatment plan is the best match for your priorities and your preferences? And how do you communicate your goals for treatment with your medical team?

Our guests this week were Gaby Kusko, who has been living with metastatic breast cancer for over four years, and Lillie Shockney, the Administrative Director of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center.

CMS Decides to Put Treatment Decisions in the Hands of Insurers

On August 7, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance giving Medicare Advantage plans (private insurance plans approved by Medicare that cover hospital and medical expenses) the option of applying prior authorization and step therapy for physician-administered and other Medicare Part B drugs (effective January 1, 2019). CMS stated that this policy change will lower costs, improve quality of life, and ensure that patients receive the most preferred treatment.

We are concerned that this new guidance will delay access to treatment, limit patient preference, and will not lower the cost of drugs.

Learn more on our blog: https://bit.ly/2PM5bmn

Share Your Cancer Experience

The Cancer Experience Registry is a unique online community that allows people facing cancer to share their experience, identify the issues that impact their lives, take surveys, access resources and learn from each other.

It is free, confidential and open to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer or provides care to someone with cancer.

Share your cancer experience today.