Quebec does a first in breast cancer cost coverage
Toronto, Apr 11 (IBNS): Canadian province of Quebec became the first to cover the cost of breast prosthetics for cancer patients who have undergone complete or partial mastectomies, media reports said.
This was announced by Quebec health minister Gaétan Barrette yesterday.
The program will reportedly cost $3.6 million per year.
According to a report by Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, one out of eight women in the province is diagnosed with breast cancer and 70 per cent of patients undergo some form of mastectomy.
A breast prosthetic can cost up to $425 for a patient who had undergone complete mastectomy and $250 for someone undergoing the partial procedure.
Before this announcement, Quebec was covering 50 per cent of the cost of gel, silicone or fabric prosthetics placed inside a bra, unlike surgical implants which are not covered.
About 10,000 women will reportedly gain access to the program every year.
“We are very happy to hear this,” said Karine Iseult Ippersiel, vice-president (development) of Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.
“When a woman goes through a mastectomy, it's the self-esteem that takes the biggest hit,” Ippersiel said. “You can't hide it.”
Women would be able to change their prosthetics for free every two years through this endeavor.
"They are expensive," Ippersiel said. “You don't own 12 pairs, like shoes.”
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
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