Breast cancer dominates critical illness causes for women

JOHANNESBURG – A study published in the Lancet medical journal predicts that South Africa could see an increase of 78% in the number of cancer cases by 2030, while globally a 75% increase is expected. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, South Africa is ranked 50th on the list of countries with the highest cancer prevalence.

Among women, the most prevalent is breast cancer and statistics show that 1 in 29 South African women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This figure is even higher in urban communities in South Africa, where the incidence is as high as 1 in 8.

These statistics are mirrored in Altrisk’s critical illness claims by women from May 2012 to May 2013, which show that cancer dominates the female critically illness landscape, while breast cancer specifically tops the lists of all cancer claims by a far margin.

Critical Illness Claims:

*Currently the leading cause of critical illness claims among women is cancer.

*Of the total cancer claims by women, 25% are specifically for breast cancer, where the average age is 53.

*The average age of women submitting a claim for cancer is 43.

Life claims

*The leading cause of all life claims by women is due to cancer, at 29%, with an average age of 57.

*The average age of life claims due to breast cancer is 52.

The majority of Altrisk’s critical illness, life and disability claims are by women between the ages of 43 and 55, while cancer claims, particularly for breast cancer, are happening at increasingly younger ages. This could mean that women are heeding the call for early detection and diagnosis.

Altrisk has noted a distinct shift over the past five years, with an increase in early cancer claims, particularly for breast cancer. There are more claims for stage 1 and 2 cancers, and a decline in claims for more advanced stage 3 and 4 cancers.

“The emphasis on pre-emptive screening and early diagnosis and treatment cannot be emphasised enough in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer are important factors in winning the battle and surviving with less extensive, invasive surgery – and with your finances intact,” says Dalene Allen, underwriting director at Altrisk.

This is why it’s essential that you have the right insurance cover in place to protect your financial security, should you contract a critical illness. And women also shouldn’t neglect this type of insurance while they are young, either. “The reality is that you need to have cover in place when you are younger. This is the most productive time of your life, when you are most reliant on your income to meet financial obligations, take care of your family and secure a comfortable future,” Dalene says.

What many women don’t take into account is that even with an early stage cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery can be a long and even debilitating process. During this time you might not be able to work, and perhaps even suffer side effects of treatment. “Besides having to cope with the emotional and psychological trauma of cancer, the side effects of treatment can have a dramatic impact on your normal day-to-day activities and your ability to work and earn an income,” she explains.

Today women are equal contributors to household income, if not breadwinners, and play a crucial role as the primary care giver in many households. Yet a large proportion of women remain underinsured when it comes to managing a worst case scenario such as a cancer diagnosis.

“Make sure that you understand the financial consequences of what could happen if you were to contract a serious illness, and have a plan in place should this occur, because for most people insurance is the only way to manage the risk cost effectively,” Dalene says. “The emphasis on breast health, especially during October as Breast Health Awareness month is not without good reason.”

While it’s worrying that women are now more likely to develop breast cancer than they were a decade ago, there is also good news. Early detection and diagnosis means that survival rates have gone up dramatically too. Almost 2 out of every 3 women with breast cancer now survive the disease beyond 20 years, compared to less than half in the 1990s. Dalene says research and early detection are at the heart of this progress.

“No one knows what the future holds and whether you could face a health crisis in future, so make sure that should the unthinkable happen, you have a financial plan in place that makes it possible for you to focus on your recovery, rather than on how to deal with the consequences of a loss of income during your illness,” she concludes.

Manage your risk

The Radiological Society of South Africa recommends that women aged 40 or older should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Women between 50 and 75 should have an annual mammogram. Women at high risk, usually due to a history of breast cancer in a close family relative, should have annual mammograms and MRI starting at an age five years before the age their family member was diagnosed with breast cancer. High risk is defined as a lifetime risk greater than 15%. Your doctor will help you calculate this or it can be done on line at https://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/

Every woman is potentially at risk of getting breast cancer. However, there are certain factors that would put women in a higher risk category. These risk factors include:

*Age – The risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while about 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older.

*Family history – Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease. Having one first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman’s risk. Having 2 first-degree relatives increases her risk about threefold.

*Personal history – A woman with cancer in one breast has a three to four times increased risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. This is different from a recurrence (return) of the first cancer.

*Dense breast tissue – Women with denser breast tissue (as seen on a mammogram) have more glandular tissue and less fatty tissue, and have a higher risk of breast cancer. Unfortunately, dense breast tissue can also make it harder for doctors to spot problems on mammograms.

*Overweight or obese women – Research has shown that being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast and other cancers. Now, a broader study suggests that overweight and obese women diagnosed with early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer have a higher risk of the cancer coming back (recurrence) and are less likely to survive the disease.

*Lifestyle factors – excessive alcohol use, little or no physical activity, smoking and diets high in saturated fats increase the risk of breast cancer.

**Statistics based on Altrisk’s assessment of its critical illness, disability and life insurance claims, made by women, between May1, 2012 and April 30, 2013.