Bowel Cancer Awareness month is here and as New Zealand and Australia have the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world, we thought it was important to raise as much awareness as we can… Especially since bowel cancer is curable in 75% of people, if caught early.
Bowel cancer affects everyone (men and women, young and old), it does not discriminate. Almost 3,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed every year and more than 1,200 will die as a result. If caught early enough bowel cancer can be treated pretty successfully with around a 75% survival rate. However, if the symptoms are not treated early enough, the chance of surviving longer than 5 years is reduced to 55%. That's why screening is so important.
The Facts:
- Bowel Cancer is the number two cancer killer in New Zealand
- Nearly as many New Zealanders die each year of bowel cancer as they do from breast and prostate cancer combined
- New Zealand women have the highest rate of bowel cancer in the world, while Kiwi men have the third highest
- While the risk of bowel cancer is greater for people over 50 years of age, it affects people of all ages
- A family history of bowel cancer can great increase the risk of diagnosis
- Half of all New Zealanders are not aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer (keep an eye out for our blog on Friday, where we will run through these)
Source: www.beatbowelcancer.org.nz
At BRAVEday more than half of the claims our clients have made have been for some form of cancer. Many people are not aware that cancer is a risk that you can cover with insurance.
Trauma covers a range of predetermined medical conditions, including many types of cancer. While an insurance pay out won't compensate for your illness, it will help alleviate the financial stress so that you can focus on your recovery and spending time with loved ones.
Contact us to talk about the life you want, and how to make sure it happens, no matter what.