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On Wednesday May 22, a communist bill was adopted in committee at the National Assembly. She mentions the complete coverage by Social Security of “all care” linked to breast cancer. This includes hair or breast prostheses, which are not always reimbursed at present.
This is a bill that will change things for women with breast cancer. It includes the reimbursement of certain so-called “supportive” care, such as hair or breast prostheses, until now not covered by Social Security.
A text adopted in committee
The medical treatment of breast cancer is now 100% covered by Social Security, but patients often have to face significant out-of-pocket costs for related medical devices and equipment. This bill will therefore allow all of this additional care to be completely covered. Hair prostheses of all categories and the renewal of breast prostheses may be affected.
Meeting in committee, the deputies unanimously adopted this text proposed by the communists, which the rapporteur Fabien Roussel welcomed. “It’s a victory for the 700,000 women affected by breast cancer.” he insisted. An amendment tabled by the Renaissance group excluded fee overruns, although provided for in the initial text.
Supportive care, essential for patients
But what is supportive care, concretely? “Supportive care is an integral part of the patient care pathway. A term translated from English “supportive care”, “supportive care” is defined as all the care and support necessary for sick people during and after the disease They are done in association with specific cancer treatments when they are implemented. can we read on the website of the National Cancer Institute.
Supportive care occurs in different areas, in particular:
- Management of pain, whether it is the consequence of treatments or of the disease itself, via two specific analgesia techniques;
- Nutritional support;
- Psychological support;
- Social, family and professional support (follow-up with a social service assistant, help with returning to employment, etc.);
- Help with practicing appropriate physical activity, during or after treatments;
- Lifestyle advice (help with quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, stopping addictive products, etc.);
- Psychological support for relatives and caregivers of people with cancer;
- Support for the implementation of fertility preservation;
- Management of sexual disorders;
- Management of adverse effects of treatments such as fatigue, digestive disorders or skin problems;
- Help to improve self-image;
- Palliative care.
The InCa website recommends that patients discuss their illness experience with their oncologist. Indeed, doctors are best placed to direct patients to the right healthcare professionals for appropriate care. They can intervene at your place of care or practice privately.
Today, “in certain cases, supportive care consultations are covered by health insurance.” adds the InCa. “Your complementary health insurance (mutual, insurance) can also offer partial or full reimbursement.
The adopted text will continue its legislative journey in the hemicycle of the National Assembly on Thursday, May 30, during the parliamentary “niche” of the GDR group (left Democratic and Republican communist group). The provision will then need to be approved by deputies and senators to be applied.
Slide: Pink October: 18 beauty products in support of breast cancer screening awareness month