Reducing Avoidable Costs in Cancer Care with Proactive, Whole-Person Engagement
The rising cost of cancer care isn’t just about treatments—it’s about the consequences of fragmented, delayed, or misaligned decisions. Unplanned emergency visits, missed appointments, low-value interventions, and member disengagement all drive up costs that could be avoided with the right support, at the right time. In fact, nearly 30% of cancer-related emergency department visits are […]
Supporting Employees Through Complex Diagnoses: The Impact of Advocacy in the Workplace
When an employee receives a life-changing diagnosis—cancer, heart disease, or another serious condition—stress doesn’t pause. In fact, it often compounds. Between trying to grasp medical terms, navigate fragmented care, manage insurance, and keep up with work responsibilities, many employees feel overwhelmed and alone. In a study by the American Cancer Society (2022), nearly 60% of […]
Advancing Health Equity in Cancer Care: Why Trust and Advocacy Matter
Despite major breakthroughs in cancer treatment and early detection, stark disparities in outcomes persist—and for many communities, they’re getting worse, not better. Black Americans, for example, continue to experience the highest cancer death rates of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. (American Cancer Society, 2024). Hispanic and Native American populations are more likely […]
Patient-Led Treatment Decisions Lead to Better Outcomes
In the evolving landscape of healthcare, there is a growing recognition that the traditional, paternalistic model—where doctors make decisions for patients—is not always the most effective approach. Instead, a patient-led model, where individuals are actively involved in their treatment decisions, has been shown to lead to better health outcomes. This shift towards shared decision-making empowers […]
The Benefits of Treatment Decisions made in the Context of the Patient’s Values and Preferences
When it comes to medical treatment, especially for serious conditions like cancer, the most effective approach is one that aligns with the patient’s values and preferences. This personalized method not only respects the individual’s unique needs and beliefs but also significantly enhances the overall effectiveness and satisfaction with the care received. Here’s why incorporating patient […]
The Importance of Support for Caregivers
Caregivers play an essential role in the lives of those they support, often providing both emotional and practical care for loved ones facing illness, disability, or age-related challenges. While caregiving can be deeply rewarding, it can also be incredibly demanding and stressful. Supporting caregivers is crucial not only for their well-being but also for the […]
Addressing Racial Disparities in Cancer Care
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but not all patients experience its impact equally. Racial disparities in cancer care are a persistent and troubling reality, contributing to significant differences in cancer incidence, treatment, and outcomes among various racial and ethnic groups. Addressing these disparities is not only a matter of equity […]
The Benefits of Shared Decision Making in Healthcare
In the realm of healthcare, shared decision-making (SDM) has emerged as a transformative approach that empowers patients to actively participate in their care journey alongside healthcare professionals. This collaborative process involves patients, their families, and healthcare providers working together to make informed decisions that align with patients’ values, preferences, and unique circumstances. In this blog […]
Supporting Employees with Cancer: Strategies for Supporting Your Employees with Cancer
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that can have profound implications. For employees navigating this challenging journey, the support and understanding of their workplace can make a significant difference in their overall well-being and ability to cope. In this post, we’ll explore effective strategies for employers and coworkers to best support employees facing […]
Care Coordinators vs. Advocates: Understanding the Differences
There is much confusion around the roles of care coordinators and patient advocates, and we often get asked to explain the difference. In this post, we will discuss care coordinators and advocates and their distinct but complementary roles in improving patient outcomes and experiences. Care coordinators, also known as care managers or case managers, serve […]
