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Category:
Insurance
News /
Medical Schemes /
Discovery Health
/ February 2007
Skin cancer is one of
the top four types of cancer claims
According to statistics released in
2006 by the National Cancer Institute in the United States of
America, a person has a 41.28% chance of getting cancer in his or
her lifetime. The average age for diagnosis of Cancer is around 67
years old and the average age at death is 73 years old.
 This
disease therefore significantly reduces one’s life expectancy and
awareness – either to help prevent cancer occurring or to allow for
early diagnosis – is essential.
The causes of most cancer are unknown.
Some have been shown to have a genetic link, whereas others are
thought to be related to risk factors including: a change of diet,
lack of sleep, lack of exercise, smoking, drinking and stress. The
causes for nearly two thirds of all cancers, however, still remain
mere speculation rather than real science.
Dr Sally Phillips, Chief Medical
Officer of Discovery Life, says that at Discovery Life the most
common type of cancer-related insurance claims are for breast
cancer, making up 26% of all cancer claims.
Skin cancer, however, was one of the
top four types of cancer claims received by Discovery Life, as at
July 2006, making up approximately 12% of serious illness’ benefit
cancer claims paid to Discovery Life members.
Skin cancer is caused by an abnormal
growth of skin cells in response to various stimuli including
frequent, ongoing exposure to harmful UV light rays. With climatic
changes related to global warming, skin cancer is on the increase.
There are three major types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma,
Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma, being the most invasive and
severe form of skin cancer.
Having a fair skin, moles, getting
sun-burnt, having a history of skin cancer in your family and living
in a warm climate are some of the factors that may increase a
person’s risk of getting skin cancer.
Dr Sally Phillips advises that if you
have a mole that bleeds, changes colour or feels irregular in shape
you should visit your doctor immediately. The earlier one detects
skin cancer the more likely you are to be able to treat it.
Tips to avoid the risk of skin cancer
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Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 5
p.m (I thought it was
3pm?).
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Use a sizeable amount of sunscreen
with a high sun protection factor all year round
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Wear a hat and sunglasses when
you’re outside
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Avoid sunbeds
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Visit the dermatologist annually
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Examine your skin regularly for new
moles or changes to moles.
Sally Phillips is Chief Medical Officer
of Discovery Life
Source: ITInews – Insurance
Times and Investments Online
www.itinews.co.za
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