Breast cancer is not only a physical and emotional battle but also a financial one. In recent discussions at the Rome Convention Center La Nuvola, experts gathered to address the often-overlooked economic impact of breast cancer on women’s lives. This round table was part of a photographic exhibition marking the ten-year anniversary of Women for Women against Violence, aiming to bring attention to the economic toxicity that accompanies this disease.
The Dual Violence of Breast Cancer
The personal story shared by Donatella Gimigliano highlights the profound struggle faced by many women. For twelve years, she coped with the physical toll of breast cancer alongside severe economic strain. « The state, which was supposed to protect me, did not give me relief, » she states emphatically, shedding light on the silent reality many women endure—being left alone in financial devastation even as they bravely fight the disease.
This is not just an isolated experience. Many women with breast cancer report economic side effects that are both persistent and severe. According to discussions moderated by Gianni Todini, Director of Askanews, key areas such as rapid access to essential oncological drugs and the right to reconstructive surgery are inadequately addressed within the public health system in Italy. Professional women, too, face additional hurdles when seeking microcredit during treatment and recovery.
Economic Challenges and Healthcare Gaps
The full financial burden of breast cancer isn’t always covered by national healthcare systems. Simona Loizzo, a member of the Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer, has drawn attention to gaps, noting that essential therapies can carry extra costs unmet by healthcare coverage, leading to potential job losses. Valeria Vittimberga, Director General of INPS, emphasizes enhancing support to help women face cancer with confidence—because battling the disease should not impede personal achievement.
Professor Lucio Fortunato, director of the Breast Unit at San Giovanni Hospital, observes that many expenses, approximating 1,000 euros quarterly, remain uncovered—80% of which concern extra-medical care. Notably, 14% of patients experienced a significant drop in income, some seeing it halved.
Steps Towards Financial Relief
Several initiatives are in progress to alleviate financial strain for women with oncological conditions. Riccardo Graziano, Secretary General of the National Microcredit Authority, outlines projects focused on improving financial access for affected women. « We aim to open an operational dialogue with the government to make these resources available quickly, » he states. Financial institutions, too, recognize a social responsibility to truly influence positive change for these women.
Meanwhile, healthcare advocates like Giorgio De Toma from LILT’s Scientific Committee demand a bolstered National Health System that prioritizes economically disadvantaged oncology patients. Similarly, Antonio Tomassini of the Health Parliamentary Initiative Association recommends creating an operational unit that unites health and economy through participatory decision-making opportunities, with particular focus on regional disparities.
Integration and Customization of Care
Francesca Rovera, Dean of the School of Medicine at Università dell’Insubria, advocates for an integrated clinical vision. « We should not focus only on survival. Personalizing care, multidisciplinary collaboration, and effectively networking between healthcare providers, institutions, and the third sector are essential. » This echoed sentiment highlights broader cooperation and more personalized patient-centric care strategies.
Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitoline Assembly, further emphasizes the need for comprehensive support: « We must provide concrete assistance for women facing financial toxicity from breast cancer. » A powerful moment during the event saw participants in an impromptu flashmob holding signs reading, « I am not a number, » underscoring the urgency and human dimension of these challenges.