Health Spotlight: Breast Cancer
Hey there, it's October, and you know what that means? It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the time of year when we all come together to shine a light on how breast cancer affects our community.
Now, here's the deal—even though the number of breast cancer cases is on the rise, the silver lining is that if we catch it early, the chances of a full recovery are pretty darn good. So, while we're at it, why not think about the things we can do to prevent it?
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts right in the cells of the breast. Basically, it happens when these cells decide to go a little haywire and start growing uncontrollably, forming a lump or what we call a tumour. Now, here's the thing, breast cancer can affect both guys and gals, but it's way more common in women, no doubt about that.
Now, when we talk about breast cancer, there are a few different types, but the two big players are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma. Breast cancer is also categorised into stages, starting from stage zero (the non-invasive kind) all the way up to stage four (the advanced or metastatic type). The stage it's at when it gets diagnosed plays a big role in deciding the treatment options.
Source: ClearView
Warning signs can be a bit tricky
You might have heard that the first sign of breast cancer is usually a lump, but here's the scoop: in those early stages, it can actually show up on a mammogram even before you can feel anything unusual during your regular self-check. That's why those routine screening tests are pretty important when it comes to spotting things early.
Self-examination is something that’s easy to incorporate into your regular routine when you shower, use body lotion or while getting dressed—being familiar with what’s normal for you is the key. Here are a number of warning signs to look out for:
a new lump in your breast or underarm (armpit)
thickening or swelling of part of your breast
irritation or dimpling of your breast skin
redness or flaky skin in your nipple area or your breast
pulling in of your nipple or pain in your nipple area
nipple discharge other than breast milk
any change in the size or the shape of your breast
pain in any area of your breast
Source: Breast Cancer Network Australia
If any of these warning signs ring a bell, make sure to book an appointment with your GP pronto.
Getting a jump on things is crucial
For the younger crowd, it's all about breast awareness and keeping up with those regular self-checks. Take a moment to get to know your own body. It's like giving yourself a little health TLC.
Now, for the ladies aged 50 to 74, BreastScreen Australia Is a government program that hooks you up with free mammograms every two years. Super handy, right?
But here's the deal, no matter what your age, when you're going in for your regular health check with your GP, you can totally ask them to include a breast check. Don't hesitate to bring it up, because early detection is the name of the game.
Breast cancer risk at different ages
You've got about a 1 in 7 chance of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. Now, most of the time, we're talking about the ladies over 50—they make up about 80% of breast cancer cases.
However, breast cancer doesn't play favourites with age. In fact, in 2022, we're looking at nearly 1000 women under 40 who could be facing this diagnosis. It's a reminder that it can affect younger women too.
The cost of breast cancer
• Typical out-of-pocket (OOP) cost incurred in the first five years following a diagnosis of breast cancer is $4,809, with most of these costs incurred during the first 12 to 24 months after diagnosis
• OOP costs are highly variable, ranging anywhere from $1,510 to $17,200; these costs rise with increased disease severity and age
• The median hours worked per week in paid employment across the household decreases by about 50% during breast cancer treatment
Average lifetime cost: $36,040
Source: Zurich Insurance Group. Cost of care whitepaper
Our client's story
One of our clients' insurance journeys with Skye kicked off when her policy was put into force on November 19, 2020, providing her with initial Income Protection and Trauma Cover that she hoped she would never need. Little did she know that life had other plans in store for her.
At the start, everything seemed pretty standard. Her initial disclosures in her Personal Statement from November 27, 2020, were all about as normal as it gets. A routine colonoscopy, no major symptoms, no impact on her daily life or work, no meds, and no diagnosis. Life was ticking along just fine.
But then, on June 1, 2021, her insurer approved her claim when life threw a curveball her way—a breast cancer diagnosis. Suddenly, her insurance policy became more than just a piece of paper. Her Income Protection benefit became her financial lifeline so she could focus on her health without sweating the bills. That support added up to $48,040.02, including a premium refund.
Her Trauma Cover also kicked in and added an extra layer of financial help, totalling $129,115.07, including a premium refund, to lighten the load during her health journey.
Her story shows how the right insurance cover can be a game-changer. Her experience speaks volumes about the importance of being prepared and protected.
Ways to lower your risk
Okay so we can't wave a magic wand and make all the risks of breast cancer disappear. Some things, like family history, are beyond our control. But guess what? There are steps you can take to dial down some of those risks.
First off, let's talk about keeping a healthy weight. It's a biggie because being on the heavier side can up your odds of breast cancer. So, it's all about finding that balance in life. Get moving—whether it's picking up a new sport or just taking a daily stroll.
Food matters too. Skip the processed and fast stuff and focus on eating nutritious, wholesome meals. Your body will thank you for it.
Oh, and about alcohol—even sipping it in small amounts can boost your chances of a breast cancer diagnosis. Studies have even shown that women who have three alcoholic drinks a week face a 15% higher risk than those who don't. So, maybe consider dialing back on the booze to play it safe?
Things you can do now
For more information on breast cancer awareness, together with some useful resources and links, visit Cancer Australia or the Breast Cancer Network Australia or speak with your GP.
You can also have a chat with your financial adviser if you’d like to find out how life insurance can protect what matters most to you so you can continue enjoying the life you love.