Sara Rhoten was first diagnosed with breast cancer over a year ago back in 2015. Through her journey, she has taken a hard look at a disease that has worked its way into every facet of her current life. She reminds us that breast cancer is a battle in more ways than one.

Sara says people are often shocked to learn that breast cancer did not run in her family. She adds that it is a common misconception that the majority of women diagnosed have a history of breast cancer in their family. In fact, the opposite is true. Neary 75 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history, which is why it is important for women to keep an eye out for the warning signs.

The medical costs of breast cancer are often hard to calculate as it can very because of regional medical location, cancer stage and varying insurance coverage. But estimates say that the out-of-pocket costs can range from $20,000-$100,000 per insured breast cancer patient. Sara adds that her total costs had three surgeries, six months of chemo, 36 radiation treatments myriad prescription meds and therapy have totaled around $1 million, a cost she could not afford without medical insurance.

Sara is currently the Executive Director at Wyoming 211 a statewide non-profit community service.

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