Following a cancer diagnosis, many changes follow, but the transition period can be eased slightly with health and financial planning. Cancer is a serious health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. In South Africa, cancer is a major public health issue and is responsible for a significant number of deaths each year.
Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting people frequently, with many cancers specific to women. Among women, breast cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa, followed by other cancers specific to the female reproductive system and other organs.
The Most Common Female Cancers
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in South African women are breast, cervical, colorectal and uterine cancer, as well as Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Other prevalent cancers affecting South African women include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among South African women. One in 27 women are estimated to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue begin to grow uncontrollably. Early detection is vital in managing breast cancer, and women are encouraged to perform regular self-examinations and have mammograms done every two years.
- Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in South African women. One in 42 women are at risk of developing cervical cancer in their lifetime. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be prevented through regular cervical cancer screenings and the HPV vaccine. It is recommended that women between the ages of 25 and 65 have a Pap smear every three years.
- Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in South African women. One in 132 women are estimated to develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Colorectal cancer is cancer that begins in the colon or rectum and can be prevented through regular screenings and a healthy diet. Women are encouraged to have a colonoscopy every ten years starting at the age of 50.
- Uterine Cancer: Uterine cancer (cancer of the womb) is the fourth most common cancer in South African women. One in 128 women are at risk of developing uterine cancer in their lifetime. Uterine cancer is caused by abnormal cells beginning to grow uncontrollably in the uterus. Early detection is essential, and women are encouraged to have regular pelvic exams and be aware of any body changes they experience.
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Being the fifth most common cancer in South African women, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphoid tissue, including the lymph nodes, spleen and other organs of the immune system. One in 265 women is estimated to develop Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in their lifetime. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably in the lymphoid tissue.
TRA: Covering The Gaps
TRA aims to reduce the impact of cancer on women’s health in South Africa with cancer cover that has your back. Investing in cancer cover is a means of reducing the extra strain that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
While this is very much physical and emotional, it is financial too, as medical bills racked up with the needed treatments and procedures. TRA Female Cancer Cover is offered for various cancers to ensure that you and your loved ones are covered.
Our female cancer cover policies provide cover for the following female cancers:
● Cervical cancer
● Breast cancer
● Vaginal cancer
● Uterine cancer
● Ovarian cancer
● Bladder cancer
● Cancer of the Fallopian Tubes
TRA Female Cancer Cover
Female Cancer Cover assists by paying out a pre-determined lump sum of money upon confirmed diagnosis of particular female cancer. The need for Female Cancer Cover arises as many medical aid schemes do not offer comprehensive female cancer benefits that cover these illnesses by default. The TRA Female Cancer Cover product has a 3-month general waiting period.
Please note: This product can be purchased separately from Gap Cover.
What Each Procedure Will Cost
Early detection and prevention are key in the management of most cancers, and women are encouraged to have regular screenings and to be aware of any changes in their bodies. By taking these steps and having female cancer cover, women are better equipped to handle these unforeseen life changes. While the cost breakdown of each procedure will vary from case to case, a variety of factors can determine the applicable costs.
The volume of cancer diagnoses among medical aid members is a clear indication of the need for specialised insurance products like TRA’s Female Cancer Cover. In a previous sample of approximately 4,500 members, among the most diagnosed cancer types were breast cancer (accounting for 13 cases), malignant melanoma (accounting for 5 cases) and malignant neoplasm of the skin (accounting for 6 cases). These statistics emphasise the growing prevalence of female cancers and the importance of providing financial support for those affected by these diseases.
Considering many medical aid schemes do not inherently offer fully comprehensive female cancer benefits, TRA developed the Female Cancer Cover product to fill the market gap. Providing financial support for women diagnosed with specific female cancers, TRA’s Female Cancer Cover is offered in three tiers to meet the needs and budgets of our clients. The levels are Grand, Supreme, and Ultimate, with monthly premiums starting at R130, R225, and R315, respectively.
These options correspond to lump sum benefits of R50,000, R100,000, and R150,000 paid out upon the confirmed diagnosis of applicable covered female cancers. These amounts can be used at the Policyholder’s discretion, whether towards treatment, income replacement or for individual recuperative purposes.
When are you not covered under the Cancer Cover policy?
1. Where the claim is related in the opinion of the Insurer, directly or indirectly, to any pre-existing condition (including for any Cancer) for which the Policyholder and/or male dependant sought or should have sought medical advice and/or treatment during the 24 months before the join date of this cover.
2. Where at the time of applying for cover, the person insured does not complete our declaration of good health.
3. Where the Policyholder does not respond to our request for:
● Medical examination for the insured;
● Release of medical records and information.
4. Where a claim relates to Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia defined by the World Health Organisation as CIN I, II or III.
Here To Safeguard You
While cancer brings with it a range of life changes, your gap cover should stay constant to keep you covered throughout. TRA Female Cancer Cover steps in to help ensure that you and your family have peace of mind in knowing your health is covered from every angle. Get in touch with us today to enquire about a Female Cancer Cover and one of our helpful team members will gladly assist you.
