Supportive Cancer Care Has Reduced Hospitalizations
A new national campaign explains how cancer support services can lower your medical costs and hospital visits.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Cancer
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The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation has launched a national campaign, Support Is Care, to raise awareness about the clinical benefits of supportive oncology. This initiative aims to help the 18.6 million Americans living with cancer navigate essential care resources.
Why it matters
Supportive care remains a critical tool for managing both symptoms and costs, as cancer has been the leading condition driving health care expenditures for U.S. employers for four consecutive years.
Studies indicate that patients utilizing supportive oncology services experience 27% to 70% fewer inpatient admissions and 16% to 54% fewer emergency department visits. For Medicare and Medicare Advantage populations, supportive care is associated with a 25% reduction in emergency utilization.
The players
The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation
A philanthropic organization focused on improving health outcomes through supportive care and national awareness initiatives.
iHeartMedia
A mass media company broadcasting the Support Is Care public service announcement to radio audiences across the United States.
The details
Supportive oncology integrates services like mental health support, nutrition counseling, financial navigation, and palliative care directly into a patient treatment plan. By proactively managing symptoms and care barriers, these services prevent minor health issues from escalating into acute crises that require emergency department visits. Patients often see financial relief, with data showing a potential 25% reduction in patient costs within 90 days of initiating these support services.
Timeline
The Support Is Care campaign launched in March 2026.
In 2025, over two million people in the United States were diagnosed with cancer.
The public service announcement launch was formally announced on October 8, 2026.
Health Landscape
This awareness campaign arrives as cancer continues to be the primary driver of employer-sponsored health care costs for the fourth consecutive year. It signals a shift toward prioritizing supportive oncology as a standard method for controlling expenses and improving patient outcomes.
If you or a loved one are managing a cancer diagnosis, ask your oncologist about available supportive care services like nutrition counseling or palliative care. These programs can often be integrated into your existing treatment plan to help manage symptoms and reduce unnecessary hospital trips.
The takeaway
Supportive oncology is a proven approach to managing the physical and financial burdens of a cancer diagnosis. Discuss with your medical team whether palliative care or other navigation services should be added to your current treatment plan.
Further reading
For more on how to manage your health during treatment, visit our Cancer resources section.
More information
Learn more about available support services at the Support Is Care campaign website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
Live Poll
Do you feel informed about available support services for managing cancer treatment beyond clinical care?
