How to Support a Loved One with Breast Cancer
By Karen Bongers, 18 October 2018
With about 19.4 million South African women aged 15 and up at risk of breast cancer, it's important to note all the implications of the illness, including hidden costs.
In South Africa, it's estimated that 1 in 27 women will experience breast cancer, making it the second most common cancer in women of all races, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer. The good news, however, is that advancing early detection methods are helping more and more women discover it in stage one, when it's extremely treatable. With about 19.4 million South African women aged 15 and up at risk, it's important to note all the implications of the illness, including hidden costs. That way, friends and family can offer the best possible support to a loved one with breast cancer.
From a financial perspective, breast cancer can cost as much as R1 million, excluding any income lost if the patient is unable to work for a period of time as a result of the illness. Karen Bongers, Product Actuary at Sanlam Personal Finance, says, "In 2017, Sanlam paid out R291 million for severe illness claims and 31% of this amount was paid out for breast cancer. Without cover, cancer can be financially crippling so preparing for the unexpected can help alleviate some of the stress that accompanies the diagnosis."
A US study has shown that more than two million cancer survivors in that country did not get one or more needed medical services because of financial concerns. South Africans are probably facing a similar scenario, "The expenses can be overwhelming. Aside from treatment, there are so many 'hidden costs' associated with the illness – like childcare, petrol, special diets and alternative treatments. That's why we offer a unique
Cancer Benefit that provides additional cover for these expenses, complementing medical aid and gap cover," says Bongers.
Financial support was an area of key concern for cancer patients and their families, according to research compiled by Sanlam and CANSA last year. 100 cancer patients were asked for feedback on what kind of support they received enough of and what support they wish they'd had more of. This was used to create a
'support guide' for family and friends to know how best to support a loved one with cancer. This Breast Cancer Month, here is some of their advice: