Medicare cuts would jeopardize cancer care

As a radiation oncologist, I am deeply troubled by the proposed Medicare cuts that could take effect Jan. 1. These payment cuts would drastically reduce the amount Medicare pays for certain cancer treatments - by up to 40 percent. My patients depend on these vital treatments and these cuts would be devastating to my practice and my patients.

As our population ages, the number of people relying on Medicare is rapidly growing.

The proposed cuts jeopardize our progress in battling cancer. A doctor and patient should be able to choose among all possible options for lifesaving cancer treatments and should not have to worry about Medicare cuts limiting those choices.

Congress can help stop these Medicare cuts to radiation therapy. We need our voices heard to protect access to community cancer care.

Wook Lee

Cedar Rapids