Why women’s health needs to be in your mind for longer than a month

October may be the month Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns capture the most column inches, but Lifecare pioneers women’s health and protection all year long

Most of us will have been ‘thinking pink’ last month, as the global drive for Breast Cancer Awareness made women, men and children alike learn the facts, recognise the signs, and become part of the quest to prevent, diagnose and treat the most frequent cancer among females worldwide.

The World Cancer Research Fund confirms that breast cancer impacts 2.1 million women each year. It is the most common cancer among women globally, with 1 in 8 of the female population being affected throughout their lives, and despite the common belief that breast cancer can be hereditary, 85% of breast cancers actually occur in women with no family history.

This makes early detection and screening of invaluable importance – the World Health Organization shares that breast cancer screening via mammogram (low dose x-ray) has been shown to reduce mortality from the disease by approximately 20% – which validates the pink ribbons, cupcakes and afternoon teas we see each October as wonderful reminders to women to keep their health in check, that is, as long as we continue the conversation.

Other common female cancers

After breast cancer, and excluding commonly found non-melanoma skin cancers, statistics show that colorectal, lung and cervical cancers affect the highest number of women worldwide each year. In fact, these four types ­– breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and cervical cancer – make up more than 50% of the number of new cancer cases diagnosed in women each year.

Protecting your family’s future

At Lifecare, we believe that education and protection are the key to peace of mind when it comes to health. As mothers, employers, homeowners and family heads, it is vital that women understand the need to safeguard their health, as well as their finances, which is why medical insurance, life and critical illness cover must all be in place.

Friends Provident International recently published material to highlight the misconceptions on the female need for all three of these insurances. It is important to clarify that medical insurance looks after hospital bills alone, while a life insurance policy ensures that your dependents, family and debts are taken care of should the worst happen to you. A critical illness policy can take care of long-term recuperation therapy and necessary home-care services, should you be diagnosed with a serious illness. Or if this isn’t required, the proceeds can be spent as you wish.

To discuss women’s health and safeguarding your family’s future, reach out to the Lifecare team: Click here

Sources: World Health Organization, American Cancer Society, World Cancer Research Fund, Cancer Research UK, Friends Provident International