Nova Scotia cancer patients may qualify for wig funding through new program
Nova Scotians being treated for cancer and dealing with hair loss may qualify for help with the cost of a wig.
A news release from the province Thursday says the program is being offered through a one-time rebate of $300.
To be eligible for the program, people must:
- be a resident of Nova Scotia with a valid health card
- have a gross family income no greater than $35,000 per year
- be enrolled in the Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program
- not have private insurance that covers the cost of a wig
People can apply for the program online.
“A cancer diagnosis is scary enough. Hair loss due to the treatment needed to fight the cancer can be very upsetting for people going through an already very difficult time,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson in the news release.
“We want to give people some help to buy a wig if they choose and hopefully let them focus more of their energy on getting well.”
Other cancer-improvements already implemented by the Nova Scotia government include:
- launching a new lung screening program, as well as screening programs for colon, cervical and breast cancers
- providing more funding for community oncology clinics, helping more people get the care they need closer to home
- enhancing communication among oncology providers and patients, resulting in improved care, shorter wait times and better results
- introducing a first-in-the-world Ethos radiotherapy system with HyperSight imaging, decreasing the average number of treatments to five from 20
- a new 10-year partnership with Varian that will make Nova Scotians among the first in the world to access new oncology technology and innovative programs
According to the release, about 360 patients could be eligible for the new program, which is expected to cost around $110,000.
The province says the cost of a wig can range from $200 to $2,000, with an average cost of $650.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Suspected would-be assassin ordered detained as Slovak prime minister's condition is stable
The man accused of attempting to assassinate Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was ordered to remain behind bars Saturday as the nation’s leader was in serious but stable condition after surviving multiple gunshot wounds, officials said.
Here's how Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could make the first debate stage under stringent Biden-Trump rules
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long argued that the biggest hurdle of his presidential campaign is the perception that independent candidates can't win. He has looked to the debates as a singular opportunity to stand alongside Joe Biden and Donald Trump in front of a massive audience.
N.B. man takes talent to the air, hoping others catch his love for extreme pogo stick performing
Duncan Murray is one of only a handful of Canadians to be considered a professional extreme pogo athlete.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.