Breast cancer patient featured in The Cancer Letter receives testing for COVID-19, awaits results

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Last week, The Cancer Letter spoke with Janice Cowden, a patient with metastatic breast cancer and symptoms of COVID-19—who was denied testing despite being especially vulnerable to the disease (The Cancer Letter, March 20).

Cowden has since received two tests for COVID-19—a nasopharyngeal swab at a curbside clinic, and a throat pharyngeal swab at the office of her primary care physician. She has yet to receive the results of either test.

Prior to developing symptoms, Cowden had attended a fundraiser with about 300 people—including dozens of women with metastatic breast cancer.

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In 1971, the National Cancer Act set the United States on a path to confront one of its most formidable public health challenges. More than five decades later, the progress is undeniable. The latest 2026 report from the American Cancer Society shows continued declines in overall cancer mortality and improvements in survival for many major cancer types. Recent advances in early detection, prevention, and treatment are saving lives.

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