Komen Atlanta Makes $75K Investment for Breast Cancer Patients

Susan G. Komen® Greater Atlanta announced an immediate investment in its commitment to support area residents dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Komen Atlanta Treatment Assistance Program (ATAP) provides financial assistance for local patients dealing with the crippling costs associated with breast cancer treatment.

“The ATAP program is a vitally important resource for our neighbors undergoing breast cancer treatments during this unprecedented health crisis,” said Cati Diamond Stone, CEO, Komen Atlanta. “The program will provide support to overcome barriers that may prevent breast cancer patients from accessing the care they need at this time. No one should push aside their treatment plan or forego appointments in fear of financial hardship.”

ATAP covers limited costs associated with breast cancer treatment such as oral pain medication, anti-nausea medication, oral chemotherapy/hormone therapy, child care/elder care, home care, transportation, lymphedema care and supplies and durable medical equipment.

To be eligible, patients must have incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty line ($31,225 for an individual) and have an active breast cancer diagnosis.

In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthy women of average risk should delay their routine breast cancer screening until later this year. If people are displaying warning signs for breast cancer, they should contact their health provider to determine their need for diagnostic imaging. This recommendation reflects the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control’s (CDC) guidelines to minimize exposure to and potential spreading of COVID-19 and to help support the health care system’s need to focus scarce health care capacity and resources on managing the pandemic. Komen Atlanta will be able to help patients in need with referrals to free or low-cost diagnostic testing, as necessary.

For more information, email helpline@komen.org or call the Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline Monday – Friday from 9am – 10pm ET at 1-877 GO KOMEN (465-6636). At the main menu, press # 2 for the Breast Care Helpline and ask for information about the Treatment Assistance Fund.

About Susan G. Komen® Greater Atlanta

Metro Atlanta women are dying of breast cancer more often when compared to women in the U.S. as a whole. And that has to change. Komen Atlanta fights breast cancer on two fronts: at home in metro Atlanta by providing breast health and breast cancer services for those who cannot afford them, and globally by funding cutting edge research to find cures. Komen Atlanta has raised $52.5 million since its inception in 1991, with over $39.7 million invested in Metro Atlanta to save lives locally and over $9.6 million invested to fund research to save lives all over the world. Komen Atlanta is part of the national Susan G. Komen organization, the largest private funder in the fight against breast cancer. For more information, visit KomenAtlanta.org.