Cancer policies in different stages of cancer

The term “Cancer” describes more than two hundred types of malignancy. A type is diagnosed based on its location, growth, and how it behaves in the body. Doctors use “cancer stages” to determine and describe the severity of this disease. Regardless of the number of types of cancers there are, they share common attributes that make standard classification possible. Knowing the stage of cancer found in one’s body empowers the oncologist to define a more viable cancer treatment plan.

Stage 0:

The earliest, most treatable form of cancer is Stage 0 cancer, which is often referred to as“carcinoma in situ”.Put simply, in this stage pre-cancerous cells are still at their original place where the growth started, and the resulting tumor is not yet spread to nearby tissue. Fortunately, the prognosis or diagnosis of Stage 0 cancer is very high. While a diagnosis of carcinoma in situ does not always mean that the cells can end up cancerous, the chances are usually so high that doctors recommend immediate treatment. By treating the cells before they become malignant and spread, a person ideally has the greatest possibility of being free of cancer.

Stage 1:

This stage denotes the spread of a cancerous tumour to nearby tissue but not beyond the lymph system or bloodstream. Commonly referred to as “early-stage” cancer, this stage requires implementation of immediate treatment protocol either surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy or their combination, as directed by the Oncologist. Also, healthy changes to diet and personal habits to fight cancer is essential at this stage to prevent relapse.

Stage 2 and 3:

These stages describe “regional spread” cancer, characterised by its expansion. At these stages cancer is embedded deeply into the surrounding tissue and, cancer cells enter the bloodstream, which becomes a serious cause for concern. But the good news is, at these stages, cancer has not spread to the other organs in the body.

Stage 4:

This stage marks the spread of cancer from the initial site to other organs. Cancer at this stage meets the definition of “advanced cancer”, or “metastatic cancer” and is more difficult to treat, but not impossible.

Worrying Cancer Statistics

Cancer is budding at an alarming rate in India, and given the lifestyle habits of the current population, the risk of cancer is expected to increase each passing day.If the following statistics are any warnings, we need to be very aware of this deadly disease:

  • About 25 lakh individuals are estimated to be living with this disease
  • Every year over 7 lakh new cancer patients are registered
  • Over 5,50,000 lives are lost annually due to cancer
  • Individuals between 30-69 years of age account for 71 percent of all cancer-related deaths
  • Every 8 minutes, a woman dies of cervical cancer
  • One out of two newly diagnosed breast cancer patient succumbs to it
Cancer Incidences Are Rising and So Is the Cost of Treatment

The cost of cancer treatment has significantly risen over the years. For instance, a single cycle of chemotherapy can cost around Rs 65,00 to Rs 90,000. Also, certain drugs can cost as much as Rs 1 lakh per month and the patient may need to take it for upto a year, so it’s Rs 12 lakhs just for the medicine.

Cancer Insurance Comes to Rescue

What this infers is that not only cancer is worrisome, it’s treatment can be a financial burden for the entire family. But the good thing is, when it comes to cancer treatment, at least you can make adequate preparations by purchasing cancer care policy.

Cancer care policy Cancer care policy is a special type of insurance designed to provide financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with this disease. This standalone cancer care policy helps cover the various cost associated with cancer care, including, diagnosis, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. In fact, the benefit provided is not limited to actual expenses in hospitalisation or treatment. A lump sum amount is paid is irrespective of bills. Moreover, the lump sum is payable at various stages of diagnosis, including early and advanced cancer stages.

Why Purchase A Cancer Care Policy?

Cancer is a deadly disease which can have an adverse effect on the affected families, emotionally, physically and financially. In addition, basic health policies may not cover all cancer-related costs as they come with many sub-limits and conditions. Therefore, in today’s time, cancer care policy is worth considering if:

  • Your basic health cover does not provide sufficient coverage
  • Your savings are not adequate to pay massive medical bills
  • You are the sole earning member of your family
  • If you believe that due to varied factors you have the risk of developing cancer
Finally,

Purchasing a cancer care policy is a big step towards securing your finances for a very small sum of money paid annually.