Breast and Prostate cancer a concern with reported frequency growing at 12% a year, says Standard Bank
SEDIBENG. - It is never pleasant to think about illness or even to face the fact that as you get older the possibility of contracting a critical illness like cancer increases. The good news is that more people than ever before are surviving cancer-including breast and prostate cancer, the two most common forms of the disease in women and men.
According to statistics more and more people around the world suffer from various forms of cancer. Although recent figures are not available in South Africa, the country is no exception to the international rule-especially when breast and prostate cancer is concerned according to CanSA-the country’s leading authority on the disease.
Locally, at least one woman in nine is at risk of contracting breast cancer. For men, the danger of being diagnosed with prostate cancer is one in eight. There is also no doubt that the occurrence of both forms of the disease is increasing, says Tetiwe Jawuna, Head of Standard Bank Insurance Brokers.
“Various sources within the insurance industry say that the reported frequency of these two forms of cancer is growing at about 12% a year. From a positive point of view these higher reporting figures could indicate that more men and women are undergoing regular screening and that more cases are therefore being found early on in the development of the disease. Obviously, the earlier a cancer, particularly breast cancer, is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment.”
Although news of advances in cancer treatment are welcome, as is the statistic that on average six out of ten South Africans survive cancer, being told that you have cancer is still devastating for patients and their families. Besides the health implications and cost of treatment that they may have to face, sufferers also have to worry about the future, employment and their ability to stay financially afloat.
The alternative to doing nothing, says Ms Jawuna, is to take a practical approach towards the likelihood of contracting the disease and preparing for the possibility of cancer by taking out appropriate insurance and using a policy to counter the financial burdens that could occur.
It is not enough to rely on medical aid, believing that these benefits will absorb most of the financial costs caused through treatment.
The reason, says Ms Jawuna, is that unlike medical aid, which pays for medical expenses according to an agreed schedule but may not cover all day-to-day expenses or long-term expenses, insurance can help replace lost income and help the family in time of need. It can also be easily obtained as many institutions, like Standard Bank Insurance Brokers, offer the option of defined policies-which clearly set out premiums and fixed benefits over the phone.
But, like all contracts requiring a commitment, people buying policies should make sure that they read the conditions carefully. Benefits and the way that they are paid can vary. It is therefore advisable to think about what is required carefully before signing up for coverage.
“The Standard Bank Cancer Care plan covers the policyholder and spouse for cancer and is designed to assist by making a lump sum payment when cancer is first diagnosed. This provides immediate financial relief to the patient. By removing this aspect of financial stress both the patient and his or her family can then to concentrate on treatment going forward.”
“A further lump sum is contributed to the costs of surgery required to remove the cancer or undertake reconstructive surgery-an option that many women afflicted with breast cancer are exploring. “
“Not being able to work while recovery takes place is a real worry for many people. To remove the anxiety associated with this stress, a monthly ‘recovery benefit’ is payable for six months after the completion of treatment. Payments are made direct to the insurance policyholder who then can decide where the money is spent.”
As cancer can strike the young as well as the more advanced in age, cover through the Cancer Care plan is available to people aged between 18 and 65 and cover ends when the insured reaches the age of 75.
“The flexibility of this plan lies in its ability to cover oneself with a single monthly payment. To families this means not having to feel vulnerable and worry and financial stability when money is most needed. Treatment can be undertaken in the knowledge that cash is available to help the family through a stressful period. Control, always important in difficult times, remains with the policy holder,” concludes Ms Jawuna.
