October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
With October as Breast Cancer Awareness month – now is the opportunity to shine a light on how virtual solutions can help with prevention. Each year in the United States, approximately 264,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. [1] The delays in care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to have long-term effects, potentially leading to an increase in breast cancer diagnoses in the coming years. According to the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS), late-stage cancer diagnoses are expected to rise, putting additional strain on an already overwhelmed healthcare system.
To counteract the growing risk of breast cancer diagnoses, patients must actively engage in their health and prioritize preventive care. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women start discussing mammograms with their doctors at the age of 40. For one Virtual Primary Care (VPC) patient, this proactive approach to preventive care helped catch breast cancer at an early stage.
A Patient Story of Hope
- This patient, a woman in her late thirties with no family history of breast cancer, had an annual wellness visit with a VPC doctor in February 2022. As she was nearing 40, the doctor recommended a mammogram to establish a baseline for future screenings.
- She completed her first mammogram in May 2022 after receiving reminders to schedule the appointment. During the screening, a lump was detected, which led to further testing, including an ultrasound and biopsy.
- Following the biopsy, she was diagnosed with stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a very early form of breast cancer.
- Thanks to the early intervention by her Virtual Primary Care doctor, her cancer was caught at a stage where it could be effectively treated with surgery and radiation.
- One year later, the patient has become cancer-free.
What is most inspiring is that this patient shared that without the convenience of Virtual Primary Care, she likely would have delayed her mammogram, which could have led to a much worse prognosis. The ongoing reminders and support from virtual providers encourages patients to complete their screening – which ultimately can help save their lives!
How Virtual Solutions are Saving Costs Associated with Cancer
Post-pandemic, numerous cancer patients have opted for telehealth appointments with their doctors. A recent study indicates that telehealth may help cancer patients save time, reduce travel, and cut costs compared to traditional in-person visits. Researchers at The Moffitt Cancer Center assessed the indirect cost savings for patients under 65 using telehealth, comparing it to the expenses incurred from in-person consultations. These indirect costs include travel-related expenses and lost wages due to time off work for medical visits and travel. On average, telehealth visits resulted in savings between $147 and $186 per appointment, according to a report published on January 10 in JAMA Network Open. Here’s a summary of their findings: [2]
- 25,500 telehealth visits: The analysis was based on nearly 25,500 telehealth visits by more than 11,600 adults with cancer.
- $147–$186 per visit: Patients saved an average of $147 to $186 in indirect costs, such as travel expenses and lost income, by using telehealth instead of in-person visits.
- 2.9 hours saved: Telehealth visits saved patients an average of 2.9 hours of driving time (round trip) per visit.
- $1.6 million in savings: Telehealth visits resulted in an estimated $1.6 million savings in lost income for the 11,600 patients included in the study.
- 3.8 million miles of travel saved: Telehealth visits eliminated 3.8 million roundtrip travel miles, that’s about the equivalent of traveling 152 times around the Earth!
- 75,000 hours saved driving: Additionally, the study found that telehealth saved a total of 75,000 hours of roundtrip driving time, which is equivalent to 8.6 calendar years…
For an employer, these savings are significant when you consider in 2024, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 2,001,140 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States, which is a record-breaking number: [3, 4, 5]
- Number of new cancer cases: 2,001,140
- Number of cancer deaths: 611,720
- Most common cancers: Breast, prostate, lung and bronchus, colon and rectum, melanoma of the skin, bladder, kidney and renal pelvis, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, endometrial, and pancreatic
Other notable trends include:
- A dramatic rise in colorectal cancer among young men and women
- Persistent racial disparities in cancer risk
- An increase in prostate cancer incidence by about 3% per year
- Increases in endometrial and pancreatic cancers
How Virtual Primary Care Supports Cancer Prevention and Treatment
- Frequent, longer visits allow doctors and patients to discuss the treatment plans recommended by oncologists. Virtual Primary Care doctors can offer second opinions, assist through motivational interviewing, and provide mental health support when needed post-diagnosis.
- Flexible, convenient communication between doctors and patients allows for meaningful discussions no matter where the patient is. Virtual consultations via phone or video remove barriers of time and distance, fostering shared decision-making.
- Education and resources are provided to help patients better understand their diagnosis and treatment options. Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially after a cancer diagnosis. Virtual Primary Care doctors are available to meet with patients nationwide, with appointments available as soon as 24-48hrs.
Recuro Health Virtual Care Solutions
Recuro Health offers a comprehensive platform of virtual care solutions, including Virtual Primary Care, Virtual Urgent Care, and Virtual Behavioral Health. These solutions deliver holistic, patient-centered care when and where it is needed most. Virtual Primary Care focuses on preventive and chronic care, helping coordinate the many aspects of a patient’s healthcare journey. Virtual Urgent Care provides 24/7 access for immediate health concerns, and Virtual Behavioral Health offers counseling services that, combined with primary care and medication management, promote better overall health.
Sources:
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10202222
[2] https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2023/telehealth-cancer-care-saves-time-money
[3] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics
[4] https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21820
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