This month our blogs are focussing on women's health and I think my biggest health concern is to one day be diagnosed with cancer… in particular breast cancer.
Breast cancer has no boundaries… it affects both the young and old and both women and men. In fact, it is the most common form of cancer affecting New Zealand women - every year 3000 women and 20 men are diagnosed. Most women will survive a breast cancer diagnosis… but the treatment can be a long and tiring ordeal.
About seven years ago my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, but luckily it was caught early during a routine mammogram and she is now all clear, back to living her life. A mammogram is the most commonly used way to detect breast cancer and it is free for women aged 45 to 60. I have encouraged my own mother to take advantage of the free screening programme to give us both peace of mind.
While mammograms are the most common form of screening, breast awareness is just as important. This means knowing your breasts, what they look like and what is normal for you. This way you will notice any changes and can get to your doctor quickly.
My biggest fear about getting cancer (or any other major illness) is the time I would need to be away from work in order to get better… I am not a workaholic and I am sure that although I would be missed, business would carry on as usual. My fear is losing my income and not being able to pay my bills. The sickness benefit may help, but I may not be entitled to this as my husband works full time and I am sure the amount I would receive would be much less than my salary. If I am sick, I want to be able to focus on getting better, not stressing about how I am going to pay my rent.
Until I started working in the insurance industry I knew about Life Insurance and Medical Insurance, but I did not know that there was an insurance product out there that could cover you for cancer. Trauma cover does just that. It pays you a lump sum if you suffer a predetermined medical condition and survive 14 days; one of these conditions is cancer. You do need to meet certain definitions (as per the insurance company's policy wordings). Imagine getting a payment of $150,000 or $200,000 at this time, to spend however you choose. Not only would it give you the chance to focus on getting healthy again, but it could also help you make lifestyle adjustments or you could take a holiday with your family… It's completely up to you.