Cancer care is advancing, but costs cannot be ignored, says UnitedHealthcare SVP

Cancer care is advancing, but policymakers and the cancer care community must find ways to make it more affordable, according to an article published in the October issue of Health Affairs by Lee Newcomer (pictured), senior vice president of oncology at US health care provider UnitedHealthcare.

According to economic studies, the cost of health coverage is projected to reach 100% of household income for October most American families within the next 20 years if historical trends continue. These costs are unsustainable and threaten to undermine the progress made in developing new, more effective treatment and care for cancer patients. “There cannot be a celebration of discoveries if there is no way to pay for them,” writes Dr Newcomer.