Defeat Cancer, Both Physically and Financially

New Delhi: Here are some facts about cancer and its spread in India:

• According to the National Institute for Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), there are more than 100 different types of cancers, which can affect any part of your body


• Most common forms of cancers in India (based on the total number of cases) are breast, oral cavity, cervical, lung and colorectal


• After cardiovascular health conditions, cancer is the second most common determinant of death in India


• The use of tobacco and related products (i.e. smoking cigarettes or chewing pan masala) is the single most preventable cause of death in the world

Moreover, cancer is one health condition whose harmful effects develop over an extended period. However, its effects and symptoms can be seen during the initial stages. Therefore, cancer diagnosis, especially during the initial stages, can help make its treatment both effective and comprehensive.

Physical Aspects
Cancer is highly unpredictable. That said, it’s treatment costs can also spiral upwards really quick. Therefore, it is better to take precautionary steps against cancer early in your life, instead of waiting for it to affect you first. You can start with making healthier lifestyle choices like eating less spicy foods,
avoiding tobacco products and exercising regularly.

Financial Aspects
You need to prepare your finances too for contingency. Instead of relying on your savings to tackle the cost, you should create a financial backup with the help of a cancer insurance policy.

With cancer insurance in your kitty, you can go for the best possible treatment, while making sure that your lifestyle or your savings don’t suffer any setback in the process.

Physical Aspects
After the symptoms of cancer first appear, oncologists, conduct comprehensive tests and body examination to diagnose the stage and severity.

• Diagnosis

Various imaging tests such as computerised tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scan, ultrasound, positron emission tomography (PET) scan and X-ray are conducted to examine your internal organs and skeletal structure in a non-invasive way. Also, blood and urine tests can help detect any abnormalities in your body due to cancer.

• Medical Care

Surgery is a common medical process to remove the cancerous tissue surrounding the affected body part, especially if the cancer is diagnosed early. Post-surgery, patients are subjected to chemotherapy, in which they are administered cancer-mitigating drugs, either intravenously or orally, and radiation
therapy. Chemotherapy helps stop the growth of cancer cells or destroy the left-over cancer cells.
On the other hand, radiation uses high-intensity energy rays to alter the structure of cancer cells and stop them from multiplying.

Financial Aspects
Cancer treatment in India can be quite expensive, depending upon the stage when it is diagnosed. Therefore, chances are that your finances, especially savings, could experience a fallout during the whole process.

Further, in case you have limited savings, you may have to settle for sub-par treatment or make choices that could hamper your recovery. With a cancer insurance policy, however, you would receive financial aid upon diagnosis of the disease itself, regardless of whether it is detected at a minor or a major stage. Thus, you can choose the best possible treatment without worrying about the expenses.

Physical Aspects
Once the treatment ends, you start on your journey back to a normal life. Over time, cancer survivors often develop new, healthier habits and stick to them. Some of the key lifestyle changes include:

• Increased physical activity

Regular exercise helps increase your sense of well-being and speed up recovery. By increasing their physical activity, thus, cancer survivors may experience:

• Better endurance


• Fewer signs of depression


• Reduced anxiety levels


• High self-esteem


• Improved mood

• Eating balanced diet portions

Diet is a crucial component for leading a healthy, eventful life after cancer. You need to include a variety of ingredients such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

According to NICPR, therefore, you must:

• Eat at least 2 cups of fruits, legumes, and vegetables.


• Choose healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are found naturally in
  fish and walnuts.


• Select proteins with a low saturated fat concentration, such as fish, lean
  meats, nuts, eggs, seeds and legumes.

• Sleeping for 8 hours or more

Cancer patients and survivors may commonly experience sleep problems due to the physical changes, stress, side effects of treatment, or other reasons. However, getting enough sleep is an essential part of your recovery. When you sleep for at least 8 hours, your mind and body receive plenty of time to rejuvenate and refresh. Moreover, ample sleep can help lower blood pressure, improve cognitive skills and hormone function.

Financial Aspects
Post-treatment, a cancer insurance policy helps you get your life back on track financially. The plan helps you overcome the loss of income and tackle your day-to-day expenses, while you focus on recuperating your health.

Like many other health conditions, cancer too is conquerable. With awareness, proactive planning and positive approach, thus, you can make sure that you and your loved ones stay protected from the disease and its effects.

Starting on your journey of conquering cancer, you must be more active, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and make healthier food choices. Also, you should consider buying a cancer insurance policy to protect your savings from bearing the brunt of rocketing cancer-treatment costs.

Popular cancer plans from reputable insurers such as Future Generali offer you a variety of benefits including a large sum assured upon diagnosis of cancer, to help tackle your treatment and lifestyle costs, and tax benefits under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act 1961.

Also Read: Sun Pharma launches cancer drug INFUGEM in US market