Breast cancer patients alarmed as Zoladex loses French health coverage
Patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer learned that Zoladex will no longer be reimbursed by French social security, sparking concern over out-of-pocket costs.
In the midst of France's October breast-cancer awareness month, patients were informed that Zoladex, a treatment for certain breast and prostate cancers, will cease to be covered by the national health insurance scheme. Approximately 8,000 patients currently on the medication are expected to face new expenses. Marine, a 35-year-old diagnosed with hormone-dependent breast cancer, discovered the policy shift through a social-media post by the RoseUp association and promptly consulted her pharmacist, who could not confirm the details.
Her oncologist mentioned that each dose costs €86, leaving her uncertain about the total financial burden. The announcement has triggered anxiety among patients and advocacy groups, who fear the loss of reimbursement will hinder access to essential therapy.
Why it matters
Loss of reimbursement could force breast-cancer patients to pay high drug costs, affecting treatment adherence.
In this story
