Cancer claims trends in the spotlight

But this is hardly surprising if you consider the incidence of cancer. Statistics from the South African Cancer Association indicate that the lifetime risk for women to develop cancer is one in eight, and for men it is one in six. Reinsurance figures show that one in six people are diagnosed with a form of early cancer.

Altrisk statistics show that cancer is the leading cause of critical illness claims. Susan Gonnermann, Head of Claims at Altrisk, says that in the past five years she has noticed a shift in cancer claims, with more policyholders claiming for early stage cancers.

 

"We are seeing an increase in early cancer claims, particularly for prostate and breast cancers,” she says. Altrisk statistics show that there are more claims for stage one and two cancers, and a decline in claims for stage three and four cancers.

 

This trend is also reflected in reinsurance studies on early cancer claims. Reinsurance statistics for Africa from 2006 and 2008 show that of the total claims in females, 45% were for cancers that are diagnosed at stage one or lower, 23% of claims were paid for cancers at stage two, and about 32% relate to a stage three or four diagnosis.

 

Men’s claims statistics are very similar, with 45% of men claiming for cancers at stage one and lower, 18% for stage two cancers, and 37% for stage three and four.

Prostate cancer is the main cancer claim type in men with 24%, while breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer claims in women, which makes up 52% of cancer claims.

 

Gonnermann says it is difficult to know with certainty why claim patterns have shifted. "Increases in early cancer claims could be as a result of greater awareness of cancer, and the availability of early screening, which makes it easier to detect certain cancers before they become invasive.”

There are many anecdotal reports that suggest there is an increase in the incidence of cancer, but the real question is if this can be attributed to environmental factors or early detection.

 

The Cancer Association of South Africa argues that 90% of cancers in South Africa are caused by environmental factors and lifestyle factors, such as smoking. Their statistics show that only 10% of cancers are hereditary, and experts estimate that up to 30% of cancers can be prevented.

 

Gonnermann expects that the current claims trend will continue as more people become aware of the importance of early testing. "South Africans are becoming more aware of their health and people are encouraged to have healthy lifestyles, and this includes a greater awareness of cancer,” she says.

According to The World Health Organisation Cancer Control Programme, we actually know enough about the causes of cancer to prevent at least one-third of all cancers. Early detection and effective treatment make it possible to treat a further one-third of cases. Some of the most frequent cancer types are curable by surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Have you checked if all your clients have adequate critical illness insurance, disability and early cancer cover?

 

Maybe your client does not understand why long-term insurance is so important. But if they are diagnosed with cancer, it could have major financial implications for them and their family, such as loss of income as a result of being unable to work.

 

Given the prevalence of cancer, and the fact that it is by far the leading cause of critical illness claims, it is an important conversation to have.