Breast Cancer: A Law Adopted to Improve Access to Care

On the night of January 28 to 29, French deputies unanimously passed a law aimed at improving access to care for women with breast cancer. This cross-party “compromise” text seeks to reduce the often high out-of-pocket expenses, particularly for the most financially vulnerable patients.

A Major Step Forward for Patients

Each year, more than 60,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in France, making it the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. For many patients, the cost of non-reimbursed complementary treatments represents a significant financial burden. On average, out-of-pocket expenses amount to €1,400, forcing some women to forgo essential care, such as purchasing breast prostheses, head coverings, moisturizing creams, or nail treatments to counteract the effects of chemotherapy.

“This law directly addresses the needs of 700,000 women living with breast cancer. For them, who are in urgent need, this legislation represents real progress,” said Yannick Monnet, a Communist deputy and the bill’s rapporteur, praising the “cross-party mobilization” that led to its adoption.

Concrete Measures for Better Support

The law introduces several provisions to ease the financial burden on patients:

• Full coverage for the renewal of breast prostheses, medical tattooing of the areola and nipple, and specially adapted bras.
• A dedicated financial allowance, defined by decree, to cover the cost of non-reimbursed but medically prescribed products, such as creams for skin dryness or scalp care.
• Regulation of extra medical fees for breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy, a cost that often discourages patients from undergoing the procedure.

Additionally, funding will be allocated to supportive care services, including psychological counseling, nutritional consultations, and adapted physical activity sessions, which have been proven to help reduce recurrences and mitigate the side effects of treatments.

Powerful Testimonies in Parliament

The vote was marked by moving testimonies, notably from Marine Hamelet, a far-right National Rally deputy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2024 and underwent a mastectomy. “Despite my diagnosis, I was aware of my privilege: my parliamentary allowance allowed me to cover the various out-of-pocket expenses that weigh heavily on most women affected by this cancer,” she said.

Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly, also revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

With its final adoption, this law will soon take effect, offering patients better access to care while reducing inequalities in the fight against the disease.