According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), breast cancer affects one in 28 South African women, making it the most common cancer in the country. Knowing your risk as well as how early detection could literally save your life is important. Health aside, breast cancer can also cause financial distress. Fortunately, having a life insurance policy can go a long way towards providing peace of mind.

 

Know Your Risk Of Developing Breast Cancer

 

Your risk of developing breast cancer increases with age and several lifestyle factors can contribute to it. These include being overweight, smoking, not getting enough exercise, an unhealthy diet and over indulging in alcohol. As certain types of breast cancer have a genetic link, your family history is another factor to consider. Also, new research also suggests that women with lower levels of vitamin D also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. 

Fortunately, there is good news! The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more likely you are to successfully treat and beat it. This is why regular self-examination and screening is a must. If you’re in your 40s or older and have never had a mammogram, now’s the time to book it. If you have an average risk, most doctors will recommend you do this every two years while women over 40 with a higher risk should do this yearly. 

 

Adding Up The Costs Of Breast Cancer Treatment

 

Treatment options for breast cancer can be costly and include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If you belong to a medical aid scheme, you’ll have coverage for treatable breast cancer subject to certain limits depending on your plan. However, any form of experimental treatment, some of the more expensive drugs and even reconstructive surgery might not be covered. Also, a medical aid won’t offer any coverage for the related expenses, such as a loss of income or the cost of childcare during your recovery. 

How Life Insurance Can Assist With Breast Cancer Cover

A life insurance policy can become a much needed financial safety net in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis. As an example, if you have a 4-in-1 life insurance policy with MiWayLife you also get an accelerated terminal illness benefit. This means that, if you were diagnosed with a terminal illness, you’d have the option to immediately claim 50% or 100% of your life cover amount. In short, you could receive half or all of your life insurance benefit while you’re still alive.

Unlike a medical aid that will only pay for medical expenses once you’ve incurred them, you can use your life insurance pay out as you wish. This way, you can afford to maintain your quality of life, settle outstanding debts and ensure that important things, such as creating a trust to pay for your children’s tertiary education, are taken care of. This can go a long way towards alleviating the financial burden on your loved ones.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, no woman can afford to not be conscious of breast cancer and mitigate their risk with regular screening. In the same way you take charge of your health, why not take control of your financial future? Having a life insurance policy can help you create an invaluable financial safety net to protect your family and give you the ultimate peace of mind.

Did you know:

You can now take out life cover with us online in a few simple steps. No calls and no agents! Make sure to take care of those you love today by buying MiWayLife cover online.