Opinions and Responses

About Appearance Care Assistance for Breast Cancer Patients

We propose that Inagi City also implement the "Appearance Care Assistance for Breast Cancer Patients" at an early stage.
According to statistics, the incidence rate of breast cancer among Japanese women was 1 in 50 people 50 years ago, and recently in 2020 (5 years ago), it is 1 in 9 people.
A considerable number of breast cancer patients are expected within Inagi City.
Breast cancer is a disease with a high 5-year and 10-year survival rate when detected early and treated.
However, treatments such as anticancer drugs increase Medical Expenses, and the treatment lasts for a long time. Appearance care is necessary to work and live while undergoing treatment.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government website states, "In Tokyo, we support the efforts of wards, cities, and towns that provide subsidies for costs such as purchasing wigs to patients who are troubled by changes in appearance (appearance) due to diseases like cancer or their treatments, such as hair loss or breast removal."
https://www.gan-portal.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/support/apiaranncesiennjigyou.html
It is stated that appearance care subsidies are already being implemented in surrounding municipalities such as Chofu City, Fuchu City, Tama City, and Komae City, but there are none in Inagi City. It is unlikely that Inagi City alone has a low number of breast cancer patients.
We are not aware of any proposals made so far for the Inagi City Appearance Care Subsidy, but we presume that the main reason proposals are difficult to come by is that it is hard to grasp the actual number of breast cancer patients in Inagi City (the exact number of breast cancer patients receiving treatment at medical institutions other than Inagi City Hospital is unknown), resulting in patients' voices not being heard.
The city's subsidy for breast cancer screening is appreciated. However, I would like the support for those who have contracted breast cancer to be more proactive. Patients are fighting daily with the goal of recovery. I respectfully propose that the "Appearance Care Subsidy" be implemented as soon as possible.

Response

I understand that there are municipalities that provide subsidies for the purchase of wigs and breast prostheses to care for changes in appearance due to treatment for cancer patients. However, our city prioritizes issues to address within a limited budget and implements various projects. In terms of cancer measures, we are working to expand the system for providing screenings to facilitate early detection and early treatment.
Regarding the subsidy for the purchase cost of prosthetic devices for cancer patients, we will conduct research on the necessary support measures for future implementation.

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