National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international campaign organized every October to help raise awareness and funds for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and a cure. Pink ribbons and the color pink adorn those fighting breast cancer, survivors of the disease, and those who want to show moral support.
There are over 3.8 million survivors of breast cancer in the U.S.1 Breast cancer does not just affect women, though they are more likely to be diagnosed than men. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.1
Women face unique health and financial challenges as they age. Women live longer, earn less on average, and spend less time in the workforce compared to men. Financial concerns are often more critical for older women who are divorced, widowed, or otherwise single. By age 85, over 75% of married women are widowed,2 leaving them with less income, higher expenses, and a greater chance of needing care without a companion to assist them. In fact, a staggering 70% of all nursing home residents in the U.S. are women.3
A long-term care insurance (LTCI) plan isn’t just for those with cognitive issues. One of our carrier partners reported that 11% of their long-term care insurance claims are cancer-related. For women especially, long-term care planning must be a priority.
A diagnosis of breast cancer can be traumatic. However, great strides are being made for early detection, new treatment plans, and ongoing drug therapies. Depending on the stage of diagnosis and the treatment plan, many breast cancer survivors are insurable for LTCI after one to two years from their end of treatment.
Our team is well-versed in the underwriting associated with breast cancer and many other health conditions. For assistance with prequalification for your next client prospect, please contact one of our team members at (800) 255-1932.
1. American Cancer Society
2. National Library of Medicine
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
