The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is higher than many people might think. In fact, approximately 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with this type of cancer in their lifetime. The good news, though, is that while a colorectal cancer diagnosis would have been considered a death sentence in the past, after decades of research, studies, and technological advances, the prospects are now much brighter for people who are diagnosed with this disease. Many of them will go on to live long and normal lives, and that means that this type of cancer is also no longer a barrier to getting life insurance. Underwriting guidelines now take into consideration the innovative cancer treatments available, so things have changed a lot for the better.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer develops when there is uncontrolled cell growth among the cells of the large intestine, or colon, where water and salt are extracted from solid waste before the waste continues through the rectum and is expelled. The growths that occur when the cells of the colon grow out of control are known as polyps; some types of polyps can turn into cancer over time.
Risk Factors & Causes
Research points to several risk factors that appear to increase the likelihood of a colon cancer diagnosis, including:
- Family history
- Age (around 90% of all cases of colon cancer are diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 75)
- Obesity
- Inactivity
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Other underlying health conditions, including diabetes and inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Qualifying for Life Insurance
As we mentioned earlier, a diagnosis of colon cancer does not disqualify you for a life insurance policy. If you are applying for traditional life insurance, the best thing you can do is compare all of your different options so you can find companies that offer coverage for high-risk applicants.
And even if you fail to qualify for a traditional life insurance policy because of your cancer diagnosis, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great policy. There are other types of life insurance policies that don’t require a medical exam, and even some that don’t ask any questions at all regarding your health or your family’s health history. If you are worried that you will not pass a medical exam or that you will end up paying a lot for life insurance, guaranteed issue, simplified issue, or instant-approval term life insurance policies are great options for you. With these plans, you will not have to undergo a medical exam, and will not be required to provide blood work or any other tests. You cannot be turned down for these policies for any health-related reasons.
Your family has financial obligations that will not go away when you are gone; they will need your help more than ever with their expenses, and the last thing you want them to worry about is money while they are grieving. There are many great affordable life insurance options to choose from that will provide enough money for your family, for a low monthly price. The best way to find the right life insurance policy for you and your specific needs is by working with an agent who specializes in life insurance. We have provided the top life insurance companies in the nation below; each offers hassle-free assistance and the most competitive rates. Always check multiple sites to make sure you have bargaining power and know the advantages of each company. Make sure a hard time isn’t made harder by a financial burden, check life insurance rates today.