Episode Description:
In the second part of our interview with Dr. Alique Topalian, PhD in Health Promotion Education, we continue to explore her remarkable journey as both a pediatric and young adult cancer survivor. Dr. Topalian delves deeper into her advocacy work, fighting for legislative changes to support all cancer survivors. Dr. Topalian is a relentless advocate, from working to have insurance coverage for biomarker testing to pushing for transparency in copay assistance programs.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on the complexities of cancer treatment and the unique challenges faced by the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community.
Key Topics:
The financial challenges of cancer treatment, including the impact of high drug costs and the limitations of copay assistance.
House Bill 177 and its significance for cancer patients.
The importance of self-advocacy and understanding one's own medical needs.
The unique needs and challenges of the adolescent and young adult cancer survivor community.
Strategies for effective self-advocacy and navigating the healthcare system.
Highlights:
[00:00] Introduction: Overview of Dr. Topalian's journey and advocacy work.
[00:48] House Bill 177: Discussion on the copay accumulator bill and its implications for cancer patients.
[02:38] Copay Assistance Programs: The challenges and limitations of these programs, including personal anecdotes from Dr. Topalian.
[04:35] Advocacy Efforts: Dr. Topalian's work to ensure copay assistance counts towards deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
[12:11] AYA Cancer Advocacy: The specific needs of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors and Dr. Topalian's efforts in this area.
[16:14] Personal Challenges: Dr. Topalian's experiences with healthcare navigation, disability, and maintaining a career during treatment.
[20:33] Self-Advocacy Tips: Importance of knowing your body, recording symptoms, preparing questions, and having support during medical appointments.
[24:17] Provider Relationships: The importance of finding the right healthcare provider who listens and advocates for you.
Dr. Topalian’s LinkedIn LinkedIn.com/in/alique-topalian-phd-mph
Slower
Thank you for listening. We would love to hear your thoughts about this episode and learn of future topics you would like to see featured. Please email us at EverythingCancerPodcast@gmail.com
The information on this podcast is not intended to be used for medical advice. For any health care concerns you have please consult with your healthcare team. The staff at Everything Cancer podcast will not be answering health individual health care concern questions.
Consider giving your support for ongoing content and interviews for this podcast through our Patreon Page for Everything Cancer or the Everything Cancer website.
Our sponsor: H2Ocean - makers of quality sea-salt products for over 20 years!
www.H2Ocean.com
www.Chemo-Mouth.com
Sea Salt Healing Rinse
https://h2ocean.com/oral-care/
Here is the link for the acclaimed cancer self-advocacy guide by Jill Squire, host of Everything Cancer Podcast
"Cancer Journey Guide and Journals: Empowerment in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond"
Thank you.
Episode Description:
In the second part of our interview with Dr. Alique Topalian, PhD in Health Promotion Education, we continue to explore her remarkable journey as both a pediatric and young adult cancer survivor. Dr. Topalian delves deeper into her advocacy work, fighting for legislative changes to support all cancer survivors. Dr. Topalian is a relentless advocate, from working to have insurance coverage for biomarker testing to pushing for transparency in copay assistance programs.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on the complexities of cancer treatment and the unique challenges faced by the adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer community.
Key Topics:
The financial challenges of cancer treatment, including the impact of high drug costs and the limitations of copay assistance.
House Bill 177 and its significance for cancer patients.
The importance of self-advocacy and understanding one's own medical needs.
The unique needs and challenges of the adolescent and young adult cancer survivor community.
Strategies for effective self-advocacy and navigating the healthcare system.
Highlights:
[00:00] Introduction: Overview of Dr. Topalian's journey and advocacy work.
[00:48] House Bill 177: Discussion on the copay accumulator bill and its implications for cancer patients.
[02:38] Copay Assistance Programs: The challenges and limitations of these programs, including personal anecdotes from Dr. Topalian.
[04:35] Advocacy Efforts: Dr. Topalian's work to ensure copay assistance counts towards deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
[12:11] AYA Cancer Advocacy: The specific needs of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors and Dr. Topalian's efforts in this area.
[16:14] Personal Challenges: Dr. Topalian's experiences with healthcare navigation, disability, and maintaining a career during treatment.
[20:33] Self-Advocacy Tips: Importance of knowing your body, recording symptoms, preparing questions, and having support during medical appointments.
[24:17] Provider Relationships: The importance of finding the right healthcare provider who listens and advocates for you.
Dr. Topalian’s LinkedIn LinkedIn.com/in/alique-topalian-phd-mph
Slower
Thank you for listening. We would love to hear your thoughts about this episode and learn of future topics you would like to see featured. Please email us at EverythingCancerPodcast@gmail.com
The information on this podcast is not intended to be used for medical advice. For any health care concerns you have please consult with your healthcare team. The staff at Everything Cancer podcast will not be answering health individual health care concern questions.
Consider giving your support for ongoing content and interviews for this podcast through our Patreon Page for Everything Cancer or the Everything Cancer website.
Our sponsor: H2Ocean - makers of quality sea-salt products for over 20 years!
www.H2Ocean.com
www.Chemo-Mouth.com
Sea Salt Healing Rinse
https://h2ocean.com/oral-care/
Here is the link for the acclaimed cancer self-advocacy guide by Jill Squire, host of Everything Cancer Podcast
"Cancer Journey Guide and Journals: Empowerment in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond"
Thank you.