October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Before it ends, we would like to call attention to the challenges cancer patients are currently facing and the duty we have to contribute to the fight against cancer. 

The stress the pandemic has posed on healthcare systems over the globe is widely known. As SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes the disease COVID–19, expanded, and ICUs collapsed, it also put a halt on other medical efforts that are no less urgent than the fight against the pandemic. 

From vaccination campaigns to orphan disease patients, millions have been affected by COVID–19 not because of having been infected by the virus but because of the healthcare services they have not been able to access. Cancer patients conform to a significant portion of this group. 

According to the American Cancer Society’s research (ACS), published as early as May of this year,  79% of patients in active treatment for their cancer reported a delay to their health care, of which 17% reported delays to their cancer therapy (chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy). Similarly, 78% of the patients who are not in active cancer treatment reported a delay in their healthcare services (from preventive or regular services related to cancer to treatment for other health issues). And one of every five patients and survivors surveyed reported being concerned about the possibility their cancer could be growing or returning due to the lack of healthcare access. This concern was reinforced by the providers the American Cancer Society (ACS) contacted as well. 

The economic impact is also noticeable, as 46% “of cancer patients and survivors reported a change to their financial situation that affected their ability to pay for care,” and 32% are worried about being able to afford basic households. 

The last and worrying key findings of the ACS regarded patients and survivor’s mental and emotional well-being: 48% reported that their experience of the COVID–19 pandemic was aggravated by their cancer experience, and 67% expressed being concerned about being able to safeguard themselves as shelter-in-place orders were lifted and social distancing measures relaxed. 

As Gold Sponsors of the American Cancer Society since 2018, Optime Consulting remains committed to supporting the fight against cancer. This year, we have partnered with the ACS as Official Video Production Sponsor for the ACS HOPE BOWL 2020, at the Miami Hard Rock Stadium, on December 4. Together we will celebrate life and support such a meaningful cause that impacts so many people. 

Join us under the stars to grow hope. Register today!

Business Trends – WHY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY DESERVES EVERYONE’S SUPPORT
By: Ana Maria Enciso- October 2020