Sami (Papacek) Mansfield: The Affordable Care Act and Cancer Survival – A Decade of Progress

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield shared a post on LinkedIn:

” The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Cancer Survival: A Decade of Progress

A new study from MD Anderson Cancer Center shows that cancer survival rates improved significantly among young adults eligible for dependent care expansion (DCE) under the ACA.

Those aged 19-25 saw a 2.6x to 3.9x greater survival increase compared to other age groups! This life-saving progress is a direct result of expanded healthcare access.

It’s especially important with the increasing incidence of late-stage cancer diagnoses in young adults (too early to be screened). And while the role of risk reduction is critical to moving the needle, the fact is that this is happening every day, and access to care is a significant barrier to outcomes.

But this research also highlights something bigger: Your vote impacts healthcare policy.

Policies like the ACA, which save lives and improve outcomes for those facing cancer and other diseases, were shaped by elected officials. If we want to continue improving healthcare access and ensuring these kinds of life-changing advances, voting is crucial.

As we approach the upcoming election, remember that your voice can protect access to the healthcare so many depend on. Let’s ensure that everyone has the opportunity for better health and longer lives.

Your vote matters. Vote for the future of healthcare.”

Improved survival and decreased cancer deaths in young adults with cancer after passage of the Affordable Care Act Dependent Coverage Expansion

Authors: Michael Roth, Clark R. Andersen, Amy Berkman, Stuart Siegel, Branko Cuglievan, J. Andrew Livingston, Michelle Hildebrandt , Jaime Estrada and Archie Bleyer.

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield is the founder of Cancer Wellness for Life. She’s been a certified cancer exercise specialist since 2003 and has dedicated her career to implementing evidence-based lifestyle education, resources and tools into cancer care for both the patients and the providers. She is also a Chair of Cancer Member Interest Group, at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and Breast Cancer Taskforce Co-Chair at Colorado Cancer Coalition.