Managing Your Cancer Risks & Medical Costs

Each day, about 37 people in Singapore are told that they have cancer. This is reflective of the sharp increase in the number of cases diagnosed, despite certain cancers being preventable by choosing healthier lifestyles. Cancer is also the leading cause of death in Singapore, with figures rising every year.

Some of the common causes of cancer^#are:

Your Genetic Makeup

If a certain type of cancer is common in your family, you may have been born with a higher risk of developing certain cancers. Having an inherited genetic mutation doesn’t mean that you will definitely get cancer later in life; approximately 5 to 10 per cent of all cancers are directly caused by inherited genetic mutations.

Smoking

Studies have shown that smoking just one to four cigarettes a day can lead to health problems, increasing your risk of getting certain cancers such as lung and oral cancer, as well as cancers of the stomach, kidney and bladder. Tobacco smoke contains at least 69 carcinogens (cancer-causing agents).

UV Exposure

Frequent direct exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage your skin and increase your risk of getting skin cancer.

Singapore’s healthcare costs are inflating at one of the highest rates in the region. Coupled with other factors such as an ageing population and cancer rates increasing, healthcare costs will weigh heavily on your pocket and may detract from your legacy planning.

Now that you are hale and hearty, you are unlikely to be concerned with healthcare costs. However, you should think about potential health problems or medical costs that may arise in the future. Speak to our Planners to find out more about health insurance schemes, or if you have any enquiries about your current plans and coverage.