Distress of cancer patients facing disparities in access to care

To mark World Cancer Day, the League Against Cancer is publishing a study with BVA Xsight that examines the conditions of access to care and its inequalities.

The time between a mammogram that detects breast cancer and the start of treatment has increased from 9 weeks to 11 and a half weeks in a few years: double what is recommended by the High Authority for Health (HAS). A BVA

Patients are finding it difficult to get and keep appointments, but also to receive treatment. For all cancers combined, the study showed an average cumulative delay of two weeks between the diagnostic screening test and the start of treatment. The same thing for the care pathway: its duration has also been significantly extended, with an average extra six weeks.

Drug shortages and high out-of-pocket costs

Lack of certain medications also plays a role in extending this period. 37% of French people have faced this problem, especially in Paris and in public hospitals, which can sometimes worsen the symptoms or even the cancer itself. Above all, it is almost always drugs intended to treat cancer complications or side effects that top the list of shortages, followed by other drugs used, such as cures and chemotherapy.

All these difficulties penalize people whose income does not exceed 1,500 euros per month and who find it difficult to support themselves well, because the remaining costs are too heavy to bear. After breast cancer, Aurelie had to undergo hormone therapy for five years, which was expensive: “Hormonotherapy also causes side effects, such as hot flashes and gynecological problems, and for that, we need treatments that are not all reimbursed.”

“I spend about 180 euros per month to treat the side effects, I find it totally unfair! This is the hardest for me.”

Aurelie, a breast cancer patient

at franceinfo

A third of patients questioned revealed an average out-of-pocket cost of 1,000 euros. The BVA Xsight study also highlights gender disparities in the quality of care pathways: women and people of color receive less care. Location of care also played a role, as 50% of patients from DROM-COM (overseas territories) encountered one or more difficulties during their care journey.