Buy onlineBy Corli Basson, Business Manager: Underwriting at 1Life Insurance.
When we talk about breast cancer, the conversation usually focuses on awareness, screenings, and treatment. These are all critical, but there is another reality that often receives far less attention: the financial impact a diagnosis can have on individuals and families.
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa, breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer among South African women. The risk is significant, which is why awareness campaigns continue to encourage women to prioritise regular screenings and early detection. What is often overlooked during these campaigns, though, is that even when cancer is detected early, the journey that follows can place considerable pressure on a household's finances.
A serious illness affects more than a person's health. It can affect their ability to work, their income, their family's daily routines, and their long-term financial security. For many South African families, especially those who rely on a primary breadwinner, the financial consequences of a prolonged illness can be just as challenging as the diagnosis itself.
The recent annual 1Life Women's Month Survey highlights an interesting trend. While 62% of women are taking positive steps to secure their financial future through life insurance, significantly fewer (15%) have dread disease cover. This shows that while women increasingly understand the importance of long-term financial planning, they may still underestimate the financial risks associated with serious illness such as breast cancer. Furthermore, the survey also found that 28% of respondents said they were fully prepared financially should something happen to them in the future.
The truth is that health planning and financial planning are not separate conversations; they go hand in hand.
Regular screenings remain one of the most powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer because early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Yet, screening alone is not enough. Treatment, recovery, and lifestyle adjustments often come with costs that many families do not anticipate. Medical expenses, time away from work, caregiving needs, and additional household support can quickly add up drastically.
Be financially prepared; it is important
Most people think of providing for their family as putting food on the table and paying the monthly bills. It is equally important to consider how your household would cope if a serious illness left you unable to work for a long period. A dread disease cover helps provide financial support following the diagnosis of a serious illness such as breast cancer. Depending on the policy and stage of diagnosis, a payout can help cover expenses that extend beyond medical treatment. It can help cover income loss, fund treatment-related costs, or help support practical family needs such as children's transport and groceries during an already stressful period, allowing you and your loved ones to focus on recovery rather than worrying about how the next expense will be covered.
While breast cancer often affects women, its impact is felt by the entire family. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the conversation should go beyond screenings and early detection to include financial preparedness. Looking after your health is essential, but so is having the financial protection to navigate life's unexpected challenges. True peace of mind comes from knowing that both you and the people who depend on you are protected.