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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