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Why Think About Cancer?

Cancer can occur at any time regardless of lifestyle, yet too many people lack cancer insurance coverage to help pay for additional costs associated with treatment.

While cancer survival rates have dramatically increased thanks to modern medical treatment, these treatments are expensive, and together with other related costs can create a serious financial impact. Will you be able to afford care if cancer touches someone in your family?

Chances are you or someone you love will be affected by cancer at some point in your life. The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 11.1 million Americans with a history of cancer were alive in January 2005. Some of these individuals were cancer-free, while others still had evidence of cancer and may have been undergoing treatment. (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2009, page 1.)

Who can get cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, anyone can develop cancer. Since incidence rises with age, most cases affect adults in mid-life or older. 

  • An estimated 1.9 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2021 (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures)
  • In the US, men have slightly less than a 1 in 2 lifetime risk of developing cancer; for women, the risk is a little more than 1 in 3. (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021, page 14.)
  • The 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 2010-2016 is 67%, up from 50% in 1975-1977 (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021, page 18.)

Cancer prevention

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2020 about 30% of all cancer deaths were caused by tobacco use (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021, page 39) . Scientific evidence suggests that about 18% of cancer cases and 16% of cancer deaths are related to overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021, page 45)and thus could also be prevented… In addition, 115,320 skin cancers that were expected to be diagnosed in 2020 could be prevented by protection from the sun’s rays and avoiding indoor tanning. (American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021, page 4.)

Fact...

The National Institutes of Health estimates overall costs of cancer in 2020 at $208.9 billion* 

With a cancer benefit insurance policy

  • The money comes directly to you, all at one time in one lump sum payment, unless you assign it to a health care provider.
  • You know exactly how much money may be paid for a covered claim —there are no surprises.
  • It is guaranteed renewable for life, subject to the company’s right to increase premium on a class basis.
  • Coverage is available for individual, single parent, or family.

* Financial Burden of Cancer Care - July 2021

 

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