Cancer is something that directly and indirectly affects Americans on a daily bases. This disease touches so many. During the month of September, the focus shines on Childhood, Ovarian, and Prostate Cancers. Increasing awareness is the ultimate goal in the hopes of informing people about symptoms and screenings. Armed with the right knowledge, cancer can very often be beaten, and across the board on all types, early detection is key.
Childhood Cancer
Often the most heartbreaking, childhood cancer strikes the youngest and most vulnerable people. It is the leading cause of death by disease in children under 15 years of age in the United States. 15,780 children under the age of 21 are diagnosed with some form of childhood cancer each year and a quarter do not survive. These stats are frightening but depending on the type of cancer, and how early it is discovered, many situations of cancer are highly treatable.
Ovarian Cancer
Do you know the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? Signs to be aware of are bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency. And did you know that your annual Pap test does not detect Ovarian Cancer? This disease is estimated to affect 1 in 75 women. Those numbers are scary, but the good news is that when diagnosed and treated in the earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in the United States affecting over 29,000 men each year. One man is diagnosed every 3 minutes. African-American men are 2.4 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than Caucasian men. But once again, early detection is essential, and this cancer is very treatable. The 5-year survival rate with early detection and treatment is almost 100%, and the 10-year survival rate is 98%.
Cancer Screening and Health Insurance
Each and every cancer diagnosis is a scary one. The common theme for survival for all types is early detection. Early detection can happen with proper screening and many times screening tests are covered by health insurance. Association Insurance Services (AIS, Inc.) located in Olathe, KS is the insurance expert you need whether you need an individual policy, group insurance or association coverage. They know the ins and outs of all the plans they offer and can help guide you through questions regarding cancer screening tests. Concerned about Ovarian Cancer? Take this quick online quiz to determine your risks. Prostate Cancer on your mind? Click here for screening information. Being aware and doing all you can to protect your health is a start in the fight against cancer. If you need health insurance or have questions about your benefits, call AIS today at (913) 397-9400 or contact them online. Knowledge is power, and you need all the power you can get when fighting cancer.