Shannen Doherty’s Cancer May’ve Been Missed Due to Lapse in Insurance
Shannen Doherty’s Cancer May’ve Been Missed Due to Lapse in Insurance
Introduction
Actor Shannen Doherty recently passed away at the age of 53 after a long battle with breast cancer. Her death serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and access to healthcare. In this article, we will explore how a lapse in health insurance may have delayed her breast cancer diagnosis and highlight the importance of regular screening mammograms.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and a mastectomy. She announced in 2017 that her cancer was in remission, but it returned later as stage 4 cancer, which had spread to her brain and bones.
Lapse in Health Insurance
In a lawsuit against her former business management firm, Doherty alleged that a lapse in her health insurance caused a delay in doctors diagnosing her breast cancer. She accused the firm of failing to pay her medical insurance premiums, which resulted in a gap in her coverage.
The Importance of Regular Screening Mammograms
A screening mammogram is a powerful tool in detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage when it is easier to treat. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average breast cancer risk start screening mammograms at age 40.
Breast Cancer Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. In 2021, around 272,000 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer, and around 42,000 women died from breast cancer.
The Impact of a Lapse in Health Insurance
A lapse in health insurance can have devastating consequences for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Without insurance, individuals may face significant out-of-pocket costs for treatment, which can lead to delayed or foregone care.
Access to Healthcare
Access to healthcare is critical for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Without access to healthcare, individuals may face barriers to timely and effective treatment, which can lead to poorer outcomes.
Disparities in Breast Cancer Screening
Disparities in breast cancer screening exist in the United States. Women of color, low-income women, and women without health insurance are less likely to receive regular screening mammograms.
Conclusion
Shannen Doherty’s death serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and access to healthcare. A lapse in health insurance can have devastating consequences for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Regular screening mammograms are a powerful tool in detecting breast cancer at an earlier stage when it is easier to treat.
FAQs
Q: What is the recommended age for starting screening mammograms?
A: The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average breast cancer risk start screening mammograms at age 40.
Q: What is the impact of a lapse in health insurance on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment?
A: A lapse in health insurance can delay or forego breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, leading to poorer outcomes.
Q: What are the disparities in breast cancer screening in the United States?
A: Disparities in breast cancer screening exist in the United States, with women of color, low-income women, and women without health insurance being less likely to receive regular screening mammograms.
Q: How can individuals access healthcare and breast cancer screening?
A: Individuals can access healthcare and breast cancer screening through a variety of means, including community health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
