Surprising facts about cancer
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In the United States, about 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will develop cancer in their lifetime.
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Breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in women
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Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.
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Accidents are the No. 1 leading cause of death in children — cancer is the second.
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An estimated 77% of cancers are diagnosed in people 55 and over.
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In 2013, roughly 1.7 million new cases of cancer were expected to be diagnose.
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In 2013, nearly 1,600 people per day were expected to die from cancer — that’s 580,350 for the year.
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Uninsured patients may be more likely to get their diagnosis at a later stage, when treatment can be more expensive and invasive.
There’s good news, though ...
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The five-year survival rate is up from 49% in 1975-1977 to 68% from 2002-2008.
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For breast cancer, the five-year survival rate is 89%.
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The childhood cancer survival rate has improved dramatically over the last three decades, and is now 83%.
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The prostate cancer survival rate is nearly 100%, due in part to early detection.
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Supplemental insurance policies are available to help cover what Medicare and major medical insurance don’t.
Cancer statistics and costs from: “Cancer Facts and Figures 2013,” American Cancer Society, 2013
Cancer Insurance:
More important than you might think
Costs Medicare and Major Medical Insurance may cover, such as:
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Hospital stays
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Surgeon fees
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Doctors’ fees
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Medications and drug costs
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Radiology fees
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Nursing care
Expenses left for you to pay, such as:
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Co-pays, deductibles or costs exceeding your benefit limits
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Treatments excluded by your plan
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Prescriptions not covered by your plan
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Travel to and from treatment centers, lodging
These costs could be paid with the benefits from a supplemental insurance plan.
Retirement Specialists, LLC can help you evaluate the options.