After the treatment, which would have killed the bone marrow if left in the body, the marrow is re-introduced back into the patient. My bill guarantees that women who are denied insurance coverage will have an opportunity to appeal an insurance company's decision. This treatment, for many, is a last hope, and the decision to authorize this approach to treating breast cancer should not be delayed. This procedure must be a medical decision based on all information available about the disease, available treatments and most importantly, the individual seeking an ABMT for the treatment of breast cancer. If passed, AB 760 could be become law as soon as January 1, 1998.
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women.
It is the second most common cancer killer among women, and the leading cause of death among women 40-49. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time in 1997. During the same period, approximately 5,000 California women will die of the cancer.