LOWELL GENERAL HOSPITAL

Community Oncologist Highlights Persistent Access Barriers to Targeted Breast Cancer Therapies

- Dr. Anasuya Gunturi reports that many breast cancer patients struggle to access newer, more effective targeted therapies due to insurance coverage limitations and prior authorization delays. - Transportation issues, language barriers, and lack of digital literacy contribute to high no-show rates in community cancer clinics, particularly affecting culturally diverse populations. - The Lowell community's TeamWalk fundraising event has raised up to $700,000 annually to cover patient transportation, medication co-pays, and other essential needs not reimbursed by insurance. - Community partnerships and policy changes are needed to ensure that innovative cancer treatments reach all patients, not just those with comprehensive insurance coverage.