This is an informative blog. This is not meant to diagnose, treat, or do anything else other than to show how Anxiety and Depression can affect your life insurance rating or acceptance.
According to The National Cancer Institute, the definition of cancer is a disease in which cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can begin to spread just about anywhere in the body. Through cell division, cells grow and multiply to form new cells. Cells that become old and damaged are replaced by new cells. This process doesn’t always go according to plan. Abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply. As these abnormal or damaged cells grow, they form into tumors that are either benign or cancerous. Cancerous tumors take over nearby tissue and can spread through the body. Many cancers that we hear about have solid tumors, but cancers of the blood like leukemias do not.
Cancer cells are able to grow without receiving signals to grow, normal cells will only grow when they receive these signals*. Cancer cells are also able to signals that tell the cell to die and they can also hide from the immune system, preventing the termination. Some cancers can even trick the immune system to protect a tumor.*
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of cancer vary depending on where the cancer is located, but general signs and symptoms can include fatigue, lump under skin, skin changes, changes with bowel or bladder, persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, unexplained fever and muscle pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.**
Risk factors of cancer according to the Mayo Clinic. Your age. Although you can be diagnosed with cancer at any age, most people diagnosed with cancer are over the age of 65. Lifestyle choices can increase your chances of getting cancer. Habits like smoking, drinking, obesity, and exposure to the sun are habits that can contribute negatively. Family history can also play a role, although a small amount of cancers are due to being inherited. Your environment can also play a role. Chemicals and smoke can be common at the workplace or at home.
The earlier you catch cancer the better. Screening tests can help diagnose cancer early. Other tests like physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging tests, and biopsies are ways to diagnose as well.
The severity of cancer is put into stages. They are between 0 and 4. The higher the number the worse the cancer is.
For most carriers, you will not be able to get traditional life insurance while you have cancer, but there is some good news. Many carriers will offer you coverage if you’re able to be cancer free for a certain period of time. It’s typically between 5-10 years, but it depends on the company.
Although you may not be able to get the policy that you’re looking for, there are many different policy options that you may be able to take advantage of. That’s why we believe it’s always best to work with and experienced agent.
Sources:
* https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer
** https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370594