Act Now for Cancer Patients in California!

In California, there can be a significant difference in the coverage insurance companies provide for orally administered anti-cancer medications versus coverage for traditional intravenous (administered by injection into a vein) adtreatments.

That means the out-of-pocket costs to cancer patients for an oral drug can be significantly higher than what they would pay for a traditional intravenous treatment.

Right now, Assembly Bill 219 is before the California Legislature. This bill would make oral anti-cancer drugs more affordable for patients by establishing a $100 out-of-pocket maximum co-pay per prescription.

For additional information on Assembly Bill 219, click here for the fact sheet.

Tell your state legislator that you support this vital legislation. Click here to send your letter today!

Smoke-Free Air and Free Nicotine Patches

How does living in Orange County benefit our health? The current adult smoking rate in Orange County is 9%, compared to the California rate of 13.7%. Since our smoking rate is lower, there is less chance of being exposed to secondhand smoke and we have a much lower lung cancer rate than the rest of the nation.

However, there are still times when we may be exposed to secondhand smoke, such as by regularly being around people who smoke or working at a place where smoking is allowed. It is important to be aware of this health hazard and continue to protect ourselves. Secondhand smoke is toxic. It can aggravate asthma, trigger heart attacks and damage a child's lungs for life. It can even be harmful to pets.

California labor laws protect workers and the public from secondhand smoke in classrooms, offices, restaurants and bars, but people may still suffer from exposure when laws are not followed or when they spend time at places that are not protected by laws.

If you are exposed to secondhand smoke and want to learn how to protect yourself, call the Orange County Health Care Agency, Tobacco Use Prevention Program at 1-866-NEW-LUNG (639-5864) for free help.

Additionally, if you or someone you know would like to quit smoking, we offer free nicotine patches to adults 18 and older who complete our free "Quit smoking" classes. Call 1-866-NEW-LUNG (639-5864) to learn more! We can help you breathe healthy, smoke-free air.

CANCER PREVENTION STUDY-3

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and our partners are fighting back against cancer by hosting enrollment for the ACS research study called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). By joining CPS-3 YOU can help researchers better understand the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer, which will ultimately save lives.

Who Can Join the Study?

The study is open to anyone who:

Is willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which involves completing periodic follow-up surveys
Is between 30 and 65 years old
Has never been diagnosed with cancer (not including basal or squamous cell skin cancer)

How Can YOU Participate?

The enrollment process involves setting up an appointment, completing a comprehensive baseline survey prior to your appointment, completing a short enrollment survey at your appointment, having your waist circumference measured, and providing a small blood sample. Appointments last approximately 20-30 minutes.

To schedule your appointment and begin the enrollment process, please visit CPS3OC.org. For questions, please contact Chi Vu at 949.567.0620 or chi.vu@cancer.org today!