What do Movember lip carpets and financial health checks have in common?

Dr Peter Bond, Chief Medical Officer at Old Mutual

Whether you sport a ‘Rock Star’ full of attitude, a fearsome ‘Trucker’ with a full brush, or an artistically waxed ‘Connoisseur’, you’re part of the worthy Movember charity movement that aims to raise funds and awareness around cancers that affect men, sp

‘As important as raising funds and awareness is improving understanding of the financial implications of a diagnosis of cancer,’ says Dr Peter Bond, Chief Medical Officer at Old Mutual.

According to Dr Bond, although prostate cancer is common in men older than 45 with about 4500 new cases per annum in South Africa, it is a very treatable condition.

Detected early, it can be treated in a number of ways, ranging from ‘waiting and watching’ to see if it worsens, to different forms of radiation therapy or surgery. Outcomes of treatment are very favourable, especially if caught early, and has given rise to the expression “dying with it, rather than from it”.

But treatment – when required – can be expensive. The last thing you need when undergoing treatment is the stress of financial pressure, which can hamper the healing process. So proper financial planning, which incorporates severe illness cover, can prevent financial stress from possibly aggravating the situation, says Dr Bond.

Knowledge is power

One certainty about prostate cancer is that while you can’t do anything to absolutely prevent it, you can do a lot to minimise the outcome.

‘It is important for men to be aware of any family history of cancer and to adopt a healthy lifestyle. It is vital to go for annual checks, as early cancer detection and effective treatment ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths.’

Dr Bond adds, ‘Prostate cancer can feel emasculating and humiliating because its treatment can lead to impotence. But it can be managed. I also want to encourage men to overcome their reluctance to undergo an annual examination. It remains one of the most effective ways to detect disorders of the prostate - such as an enlarged prostate, for example - and prostate cancer.’

There’s no single cause for prostate cancer, but a healthy diet can help to limit your chances of developing it. Green vegetables are recommended, as well as foods containing boron, such as almonds, and red wine in moderation.

Financial health checks

Says Dr Bond, ‘All in all, sound planning remains key in making sure that you are financially protected should you be diagnosed with prostate cancer. The first financial defence is to belong to a good medical scheme. However, many people do not know what their medical scheme covers, and only find out too late when their claims are rejected. So it’s critical to understand the benefits offered by your scheme, and the shortfalls in medical expenses that you may face.’

‘It’s also important to consider the loss of income while recuperating. You may need weeks or even months off work while receiving treatment. If this happens, how will you replace your income during this period?’

Many insurance companies offer severe illness cover. In some instances, there are maximum age limits, and payouts may also depend on the severity of the illness. It’s important to have cover for as long as you’re alive, and to have a cash payout on diagnosis, irrespective of the severity of the illness, concludes Dr Bond.