The Senate recently voted in favor of a bill intended to improve financial support and care coverage for people with breast cancer. This text, already validated by the National Assembly, aims to reduce the remaining costs borne by patients. It was amended in the Senate to guarantee equal treatment between all people affected by cancer.
Legislative support as the end of Pink October approaches
The vote in the Senate takes place in the context of Pink October, an international campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer screening. On October 30, the Senate unanimously adopted an adjusted version of the bill “for comprehensive management of care associated with breast cancer”. This text, which received the approval of deputies in the spring, was refocused on expenditure specifically linked to breast cancer.
Minister Agnès Canayer expressed a “positive opinion of wisdom”, indicating cautious but favorable support for these adjustments. According to her, the changes made ensure a legal balance which will strengthen the provision of care for patients, thus alleviating the financial difficulties often encountered.
Emotional testimonies from senators
The law garnered broad support among senators across party lines, thanks in part to personal testimony from some lawmakers. Senator Corinne Féret particularly moved the assembly by sharing the personal impact of this disease and by emphasizing the urgency of reducing the financial burden for patients.
Sylvie Valente-Le Hir, who herself overcame breast cancer, pleaded for this law to help patients by reducing their material burdens. She underlined the importance of this text in supporting patients in their healing process.
Significant costs remaining the responsibility of patients
Even if breast cancer is recognized as a long-term condition by Social Security, many costs associated with treatment remain the responsibility of patients. On average, these costs can vary between 1,300 and 2,500 euros, including items not covered such as suitable underwear or products needed to manage the side effects of treatments. The bill intends to relieve this financial pressure by covering some of these costs.
A revised text to ensure equity of care
The initial version of the law provided for full coverage of breast cancer care, including exemption from medical deductibles and user fees. However, to avoid creating disparities with other cancers, an amendment was introduced to refocus this coverage only on costs strictly linked to the treatment of breast cancer, such as breast prostheses and post-surgical medical tattoos.
This adjustment, introduced by Philippe Mouiller, president of the Social Affairs Commission, aims to preserve equality between all policyholders suffering from serious illnesses. The law would now make it possible to cover products not previously reimbursed, such as creams and accessories, as part of a specific package for patients who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Improved reimbursement for supportive care
Another amendment, developed with the support of the government, introduces full coverage of certain supportive care for patients undergoing treatment or in remission from breast cancer. This coverage includes services such as adapted physical activity, psychological support, and dietary advice, the beneficial effects of which are recognized for healing and preventing recurrences. Rapporteur Cathy Apourceau-Poly, however, expressed reservations about the amount of the package, which she considers insufficient to cover the duration necessary for the treatment.
Towards the final adoption of the Law
The bill must still be reviewed by the National Assembly for a second reading. This process will refine the text and achieve consensus on a final version. The Minister of Health announced that the list of covered treatments will be adjusted by decree, thus guaranteeing care better adapted to the specific needs of patients.
This law, once adopted, would represent considerable progress for women suffering from breast cancer in France, by ensuring more comprehensive care and reducing the costs often imposed by this devastating disease.
