Stages of Cancer: Claims and Payouts in case of Cancer Insurance Plan

Stages of Cancer: Claims and Payouts in case of Cancer Insurance Plan

by | Jan 9, 2021 | Insurance

Cancer Insurance

There are over 100 types of cancers which can affect human beings. Any part of a body can be affected at any time and without any warning signals. The incidence of cancer is on the rise in India. National Cancer Institute AIIMS projects that India is likely to have over 17.3 lakh new cases of cancer and over 8.8 lakh deaths due to the disease by 2020 with cancers of breast, lung and cervix topping the list. Another study (ascopubs.org) the projected incidence of patients with cancer in India among males was 679,421 (94.1 per 100,000) and among females 712,758 (103.6 per 100,000) for the year 2020. One in 68 males (lung cancer), 1 in 29 females (breast cancer), and 1 in 9 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime (0-74 years of age). The projected 5 most common cancers in 2020 for males (lung, mouth, prostate, tongue, and stomach) constitute 36% of all cancers and for females (breast, cervix uteri, ovary, corpus uteri, and lung) constitute 53% of all cancers. A 2012 WHO report has indicated that India has the largest number of cancer-afflicted patients globally after the USA and China. Studies underline that 70-90 per cent of all cancers are due to lifestyle changes and environmental factors, and not genetics, as presumed by people in general.

Some facts for you to ponder:

  •   There are over 100 types of cancers which can affect human beings.
  •   Any part of a body can be affected at any time and without any warning signals.
  •   The incidence of cancer is on the rise in India. Various studies claim that there were about 14 lakh cases in 2016 and the figure is projected to rise up to over 17.3 lakh by 2020.
  •  A 2012 WHO report has indicated that India has the largest number of cancer-afflicted patients globally after the USA and China.
  • Studies underline that 70-90 per cent of all cancers are due to lifestyle changes and environmental factors, and not genetics, as presumed by people in general.

Stages of Cancer

Typically, there are four stages of cancer: carcinoma in situ (CIS), early stage, major stage and critical stage. As far as payouts are concerned, insurers normally treat the first two stages in the same way and the last two similarly.

  1. Carcinoma in situ (CIS): In the first-ever diagnosis of a histologically proven stage, the cancer cells have not yet penetrated the basement membrane or invaded the surrounding tissues.
  2. Early stage: In this stage, there is presence of any of the specified malignant conditions that can invade and destroy nearby tissue. (Payment of lump sum ranging from 20 per cent to 25 per cent of sum insured is made at this stage.)
  3. Major stage: This stage is characterised by the first-ever malignant tumour with uncontrolled growth and spread of malignant cells, with invasion and destruction of normal tissues. (Lump-sum payment of up to 100 per cent of sum insured is paid at this stage.)
  4. Critical stage: Any cancer that meets the definition of ‘major stage’ and where the insured individual’s oncologist has determined that the cancer has progressed to Stage IV is the critical stage. (Payment of lump-sum amount ranging up to 150 per cent of sum insured is possible at this stage.)

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Curd

Curd

by | Jan 9, 2021 | Food

Curd

Curd or dahi has been in human consumption since ancient times in India. Health benefits of curd cannot be undermined – but remember to have only the healthiest and the safest ones.

curd

With parathas or simply curd rice in a hot Indian summer can melt your heart and soothe your soul. Consumer VOICE has been testing various food items including curd in government approved labs to help you choose the healthiest brand of curd for your family. Simply sit back and relax while we do the testing for you!

Reviews

  Curd – Is your brand the healthiest?

Articles

The curd is one of the Indian superfoods that’s gaining a lot of global attention these days. 

Summers are possibly the worst time of the year for your digestion and gut health. 

We all grew up hearing from our parents and grandparents about how excellent curd is for health. Well, it seems that our elders were right.

Most of us assumed that curd and yogurt were two different names of the same thing. This is not the case. Curd has specific properties that make it unique and so does yogurt. 

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Curd – Is your brand the healthiest?

Curd – Is your brand the healthiest?

by | Jan 9, 2021 | curd

curd

In India, having curd before an exam or an interview is considered auspicious. Curd is a staple in most of the households in India. We eat it with hot parathas, as sweet lassi or as cooling chaas. There is no denying the fact that Dahi is a health food. It is loaded with nutrition and amazing health benefits. It is rich in phosphorous and calcium and makes teeth and bones stronger. It also helps in building our immunity. But one needs to evaluate the quality of the product before buying curd from the market. Beware before you get hold of that packet. Consumer VOICE tested 11 plain curd and 2 probiotic curds, we found the lead level was not below the acceptable level in one of the tested brands. So, while any number of health benefits are attributed to good old curd, it is good to be aware of the parameters with which to assess the quality, safety, and acceptability of the ones we choose to consume.

Three Reasons Why Branded Curd May Be Better than the Homemade one

  1. The main ingredient that makes curd firmer and gives it a smooth texture is the high SNF content in the milk used. Commercially made curd will have higher SNF content (around 10 per cent), which is attained through techniques applied during manufacturing or through added SNF. Homemade curd will generally have SNF of around 8 per cent–9 per cent, which makes a big difference.
  2. The process followed commercially is highly standardised – for example, for how long to heat milk at what temperature, when to add the culture, for how long to set the curd in incubator, and so on. This is very difficult to follow at home, even if you know the parameters.
  3. The culture used in the commercial production of curd is a monoculture of a single cloned bacterium or it may be a mixture of some specific bacteria. This brings consistency in the texture and taste. At home, we use the culture from the previous curd, which can deteriorate over the period of reuse, and the taste may also change.

The brands which were tested included Ananda, Paras, Britannia, Amul Masti, Mother Dairy Classic, Gowardhan Rich and Thick, Nestle Nourish, Patanjali, Vita, Nova and Madhusudhan. Mother Dairy Advanced Probiotic and Nestle Actiplus Probiotic were also part of the tests. They were tested for lead, cholesterol, fat, carbohydrates and saturated fat content among others. The other important contamination that all the brands were tested for was that of microbiological contamination. Microbiological contamination is a very serious issue for milk products. Due to improper or poor hygienic condition during the manufacturing process, microorganisms may occur in the finished product which might result in food-borne diseases.

To get the full report of the test, grab a latest copy of Consumer VOICE Magazine.

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Ghee

Ghee

by | Jan 9, 2021 | Food

Ghee

A spoonful of ghee is all that you need for good food, good health and strong immunity.

Ghee

Ghee has been in almost all Indian kitchens since time immemorial. Whether it is home made or brought from the market, a spoonful of ghee is a must in dal, parathas and even some curries. But with the market flooded with several brands of ghee, which is the best one is often confusing. Whether to opt for desi ghee or cow ghee or organic and what to look out for is an important question. Consumer VOICE tests all brands of ghee to help you choose the best.

Reviews

  Best Desi Ghee – the best desi ghee brand

  Cow Ghee – How pure is your ghee

Articles

With a fascinating history that spans through the ages, ghee goes beyond a mere addition to our plates—it demands our attention as discerning consumers.

Vanaspati is an industrial product and formed by partial hydrogenation of refined edible vegetable oil or oils. 

Ghee is a clarified type of butter, meaning that it has been simmered into a concentrate and the residue has been removed. 

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It’s Desi all the way – the best desi ghee brand

It’s Desi all the way – the best desi ghee brand

by | Jan 9, 2021 | ghee

Also known as clarified butter, desi ghee is almost an inevitable ingredient in Indian households. Ghee is brushed generously over rotis and parathas, poured on rice and pualo and even used in dal and other vegetables. A jar of desi ghee is almost a must in the kitchen. But which is the best one? Which brand of desi ghee will give you more value? Consumer VOICE has made the task easier by evaluating top 12 brands of desi ghee and identifying the best one for you.

Why has ghee gained popularity

Ghee is said to have some anti-cancer properties and also an important carrier of fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and essential fatty-acids. Ghee is believed to be capable of increasing mental power, physical appearance, curative of ulcers and eye diseases. However, ghee is ultimately a form of fat, so moderate use of ghee is always recommended.

Testing of Ghee by Consumer VOICE

The prime objective behind carrying out the comparative study was to assess and evaluate the popular brands of desi ghee available in the market as per the relevant national standard. All the tested brands were evaluated and graded as per their overall performance based on the comprehensive lab test reports. The brands were being tested on various quality, safety and acceptability parameters.

The key parameters for which the ghee brands were tested included milk fat, R M value, BR Reading, Moisture, Per oxide value, Free fatty acid, vitamins A and saturated fat, PUFA, MUFA, cholesterol and trans fat. We also carried out a series of tests to check for adulteration (with vanaspati, animal fats, etc.).

Some known and unknown facts of desi ghee

  1. Ghee should be free from excess moisture.
  2. On melting, the ghee should be clear, transparent and free from sediment or foreign colouring matter.
  3. A good ghee sample should have well-developed granules dispersed fairly, thickly and uniformly over the entire mass. A bright yellow colour, caused by the presence of carotenoid pigments (beta carotene), is associated with cow ghee and constitutes a desirable criterion in areas where it is preferred. Buffalo ghee is white in colour. Sometimes, it may also have a greenish tinge depending on the region and feeding schedule. Ghee made from mixed milk has a straw-yellow colour. The colour of fats always appears deeper to the eyes when melted than when in solid form.

Physical observations on the 12 samples were made by laboratory scientists, checking for colour and texture and whether they were free from sediment and objectionable flavour.

The brands which were tested in government approved labs include Anik, Paras, Milkfood, Madhusudhan, Fresh & Pure, Nestle, Mother Dairy, Verka, Amul, Heritage, Ananda and Britannia. They were tested based on parameters like Trans fats, Saturated fats, Cholesterol, Vitamin A, and Milk Fat among others.  Though all brands have met the standard requirement and are safe for consumption, yet to know the best, get the latest copy of Consumer VOICE Magazine.

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