Brain Cancer

Brain cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the tissue of the brain. The two main types of brain cancer are primary brain cancer, which originates in brain tissue, and metastatic cancer, which originates in another body area and migrates to the brain. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 22,910 U.S. patients will contract brain cancer in 2012, while 13,700 of those patients will die. Some of the most common symptoms include headaches, nausea, muscle jerks or twitching, and difficulty with talking, walking, thinking, memory or balance. CancerPlans.com provides comprehensive pre-cancer policies for brain cancer victims. (1) (2)

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Breast Cancer

Contrary to popular assumption, breast cancer isn’t just for women – men get it, too. The National Cancer Institute projects 2,190 new breast cancer cases for males in 2012, as well as 226, 870 for females. The two main types of breast cancer are ductal carcinoma (starts in the ducts that move milk to the nipple) and lobular carcinoma (originates in the lobules that produce milk). Over the course of a lifetime, 1 in 8 women will contract breast cancer. Some risk factors include family history of breast cancer, gene defects, excessive alcohol use, postponing childbirth, hormone replacement therapy and obesity. If you are at risk, a cancer insurance policy should be an integral part of your wellness plan. Click here to read more. (1) (2)

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Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a slow-growing cancer, usually the result of an HPV virus infection that attacks the cervix (the organ connecting the vagina and uterus). While it often has no symptoms, it can be detected through regular PAP smears; a cancer insurance plan is an important pre-emptive strategy. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the third most common cause of female death; according to the National Cancer Institute, 4,220 of an estimated 12,170 U.S. cervical cancer sufferers will die in 2012. Risk factors include irresponsible sexual practices (sex with multiple or infected partners), failure to get the HPV vaccine, poor economic status, a weakened immune system, and pre-birth exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol). (1) (2)

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Childhood Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in U.S. children aged 1-14. Across age groups, the most common varieties of childhood cancer are brain cancer, leukemia and lymphoma; about one-third of all childhood cancers are leukemia varieties. As children enter their teen years, the likelihood of osteosarcoma (bone cancer) increases. In most cases, children contract cancer through random, unpredictable genetic mutations; they may be at higher risk if they have had previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment for a prior episode. Down’s syndrome children also have a higher incidence rate. A pre-cancer insurance policy is an especially wise precaution for these groups. (3) (4)

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Colon Cancer

Colon, or colorectal, cancer attacks the large intestine (colon) or the extreme end of the intestine (rectum). According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of U.S. cancer-related deaths; the National Cancer Institute projects 51,690 U.S. deaths from colon and colorectal cancer in 2012. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloody stools, weight loss and irregular bowel movements. You should consider a cancer insurance policy if you are older than 60, eat a diet high in red meat, smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or have a family or personal history of other types of cancer. Click here to read more. (1) (2)

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Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer occurs in the esophagus (the tube connecting the throat and stomach) and includes two main types: squamous cell carcinoma, which attacks flat cells in the esophagus, and adenocarcinoma, which originates in mucus cells. This type of cancer occurs most often in men over 50, particularly those who smoke or are overweight; according to the National Cancer Institute, 15,070 of 17,460 U.S. esophageal cancer patients will die in 2012. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you should think about a cancer insurance plan: involuntary regurgitation, heartburn, weight loss and vomiting blood. (1) (2)

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Head & Neck Cancer

“Head and neck cancer” is an umbrella term for a group of biologically similar cancers that attack the sinuses, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, oral cavity and lip. Head and neck cancers often spread to the lymph nodes, where they are usually first diagnosed. Strongly linked to lifestyle and environmental risk factors, head and neck cancers frequently occur in individuals who smoke, drink excessively, and are exposed to workplace chemicals or UV light. Head and neck cancers are twice as common for men as for women, and occur most often in individuals over 50. A cancer insurance policy is an excellent precaution if you fit these criteria. (2) (3)

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Kidney Cancer

Renal cell carcinoma, which attacks the lining of the kidney, is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults; it occurs most frequently in men age 50-70. Other kidney cancers include renal pelvis carcinoma (forms in the kidney center) and Wilms tumor (a type of cancer that typically attacks children under age 5). The National Cancer Institute estimates that 64,770 Americans will contract kidney cancer in 2012, while 13,570 will die. Risk factors include a family history of kidney disease, high blood pressure, and smoking. If you are experiencing abdominal pain and swelling, weight loss, blood in urine, or failing eyesight, you should consider cancer insurance. (1) (2)

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Leiomyosarcoma

Leiomyosarcoma, a malignant smooth muscle tumor, attacks the involuntary muscles, including the uterus, small intestine, stomach, walls of blood vessels, and skin. They may also appear in breast tissue. Symptoms vary with the extent of the tumor, but may include body swelling, pain caused by compressed nerves, and difficulty using arms, hands or feet. If you have had Epstein-Barr virus infection or have undergone immunosuppression therapy, you may be at a higher risk for leiomyosarcoma. CancerPlans.com offers a variety of pre-cancer insurance strategies for potential leiomyosarcoma patients. (1)

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Leukemia 

Leukemia (cancer of the blood cells) attacks the bone marrow and releases cancerous cells into the bloodstream. The four main types of leukemia are acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL; acute myelogenous leukemia, or AML; chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL; and chronic myelogenous leukemia, or CML. CLL and AML are the most common types for adults, while children often contract ALL. According to the National Cancer Institute, 47,150 Americans will contract leukemia in 2012 and 23,450 will die. You may be at risk if you have been exposed to benzene or radiation, have genetic abnormalities, have had previous chemotherapy treatment, or smoke. Symptoms include headaches, bones or joint pain, easy bleeding or bruising, and unexplained tiredness. Contact CancerPlans.com to learn more about pre-cancer insurance options for leukemia. (1) (2) (5)

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Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the world; most patients die within a year after diagnosis. There are two main types of liver cancer: primary or hepatocellular (forms directly in liver tissue) and secondary or metastatic (spreads to the liver from another body part). The National Cancer Institute estimates that 28,720 U.S. individuals will contract hepatocellular cancer in 2012; 20,550 of those patients will die. Liver cancer is linked to cirrhosis (scarring due to alcohol abuse), smoking, obesity, fatty liver disease and a number of carcinogens, including vinyl chloride, arsenic and aflatoxins. If you are an at-risk individual, you should consider one of the numerous cancer insurance options at CancerPlans.com. (1) (2)

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Lung Cancers

Lung cancer attacks the tissues lining the air passages of the lung; it is the deadliest known form of cancer for both men and women. Each year, it kills more individuals than colon, prostate and breast cancers combined. The National Cancer Institute projects 160,340 U.S. deaths from lung cancer in 2012. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, accounting for 80% of all lung cancer cases. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but the disease is also linked to second-hand smoke, asbestos and carcinogen exposure, air pollution, radon gas and family cancer history. If you are coughing up blood or experiencing chest pain, fatigue or unexplained weight loss, you should look at the available options for a cancer insurance plan. (1) (2)

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Lymphoma

Lymphoma, which attacks the cells of your immune system (lymphocytes), is the most common type of blood cancer in the United States. Lymphoma can surface at any time, including childhood, but is most common in young adults ages 16-34 and older adults 55 and up. The two main varieties are Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: they affect the same areas of the body and produce similar symptoms, but appear different at a microscopic level. The first sign of lymphoma is often a painless swelling in the neck, underarm or groin area, followed by fever, chills, and unexplained weight loss. You may be at risk if you are routinely exposed to toxic chemicals such as benzene, pesticides or herbicides, or if you have a history of immunodeficiency. CancerPlans.com provides comprehensive pre-cancer insurance options for potential lymphoma victims. (1) (5)

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Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, as well as the leading cause of death from skin disease. It usually originates in a mole (skin melanoma) but can also attack other pigmented tissues like the intestines or the iris of the eye.  Occasionally, it develops in the esophagus, urinary tract, vagina or anus. (Malignant melanoma does not include melanoma diagnosed as Clark’s Level I or II, or below .75 mm on the Breslow scale.) The National Cancer Institute predicts 76, 250 new cases and 9,180 deaths from malignant melanoma in the U.S. in 2012. Malignant melanoma usually begins with a mole or skin growth that changes size, color and appearance, eventually becoming painful and/or bleeding. At-risk individuals are often light in coloring, with a history of frequent sunlight exposure or artificial tanning. A weakened immune system and multiple birthmarks can also be red flags. An effective cancer insurance policy can help protect you against the effects of malignant melanoma. (1) (2)

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Multiple Myeloma

Also known as Kahler disease, myelomatosis and plasma cell myeloma, this variety of cancer attacks the plasma cells in bone marrow, forming tumors in the bone. According to the National Cancer Institute, 10,710 U.S. multiple myeloma patients out of 21,700 new cases will die in 2012. Multiple myeloma is more common in older men, and for unknown reasons affects African-Americans twice as frequently as it does white people. Myeloma sufferers may experience anemia, bleeding problems, fatigue, brittle or aching bones, and fevers. You may want to consider a cancer insurance policy if you are over 50 or have a history of previous radiation treatment. (1) (2)

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Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer, which attacks either ovary surface cells or egg cells, causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer. It is the fifth most common cancer among women, and occurs most frequently among women 55 and older. The National Cancer Institute predicts 22,280 new U.S. cases of ovarian cancer in 2012, including 15,500 deaths. While there is no known cause for ovarian cancer, risk factors include cancer history, genetic defects and postponing childbirth. Numerous symptoms may include bloating, pelvic pain, abnormal menstrual cycles, constipation or nausea. CancerPlans.com offers numerous pre-cancer insurance options for ovarian cancer. (1) (2)

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Pancreatic Cancer

Also called exocrine cancer, pancreatic cancer attacks the tissues of the pancreas, a large organ that helps the body absorb fats and nutrients. Pancreatic cancer affects women more often than it does men, and the risk increases with age. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 43,290 U.S. residents will contract pancreatic cancer in 2012, while 37,390 will die. Though the exact cause of this type of cancer remains unknown, incidence rates are higher in diabetics, smokers and people with inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatic cancer shows no symptoms during the early stages, so by the time of diagnosis it is often quite advanced. If you are suffering from dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, back pain or diarrhea, you should see a medical professional and consider a cancer insurance plan. (1) (2)

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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer, one of the most feared cancers worldwide, affects the tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system, located below the bladder). It rarely occurs in men younger than 40, but is the most common cause of cancer-related death for men over 75. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2012 28,170 prostate cancer patients out of 241,740 new cases will die. High-risk individuals include African-Americans, men over 60, and men with a family history of prostate cancer. In addition, men who have spent long periods of time working with chemicals (painters, farmers, or tire plant workers) may be at risk. Common symptoms include difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, and bone pain in the lower back or pelvis. If you are at risk for prostate cancer, CancerPlans.com provides a wide spectrum of pre-cancer insurance options. Click here to read more. (1) (2)

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Sarcoma/Bone Cancer

Sarcomas, or bone tumors, are cancers that form in the cells of the bone. A few of the most common types of primary bone cancer include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and chondrosarcoma; secondary bone cancer is cancer that spreads to bone cells from some other location in the body. In 2012, The National Cancer Institute predicts 2,890 new U.S. cases of bone cancer and 1,410 deaths. In most cases, the cause of bone cancer is unknown, though there is an apparent correlation with radiation, trauma and genetic abnormalities. Family cancer history is also a risk factor. Symptoms can include bone pain (especially at night), bone fractures, and swelling at the tumor site. If you think you may be at risk, a cancer insurance policy would be a wise precaution. (1) (2)

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Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer or adenocarcinoma, attacks the tissues lining the stomach. It occurs most frequently in men over age 40; unfortunately, the only effective treatment is removal of the stomach. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, dark stools, difficulty swallowing, nausea or weight loss; at-risk individuals often have a family history of gastric cancer, have pernicious anemia or smoke cigarettes. The National Cancer Institute predicts 21,320 new U.S. cases of gastric cancer in 2012, including 10,540 deaths. If you think you may be at risk for gastric cancer, CancerPlans.com has a wide variety of pre-cancer insurance options to meet your needs. (1) (2)

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Testicular Cancer

Most common in young or middle-aged men, testicular cancer attacks one or both testicles, usually originating in the germ cells that create sperm. It is the most common form of cancer in men between 15 and 35, affecting white mean more frequently than African-Americans or Asians. According to the National Cancer Institute, 8,590 U.S. men will contract testicular cancer in 2012, of which 360 will die. While the cause of testicular cancer remains unknown, men with a history of testicular problems, family cancer background or chemical exposure may be at a higher risk. There is no documented link between vasectomies and testicular cancer. Symptoms may include testicle or scrotum pain, lower back discomfort, a change in testicle size or breast enlargement. CancerPlans provides comprehensive pre-cancer coverage for testicular cancer. (1) (2)

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Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer attacks the thyroid gland, an organ at the base of the throat that regulates blood and body temperature, weight, and heart rate. The four main varieties of thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic) have similar effects, but look different under a microscope. Thyroid cancer can occur in all age groups, and is more likely to affect individuals who have been exposed to radiation. A family history of thyroid cancer or chronic goiter can also be a risk factor. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 1,780 out of 56,460 U.S. thyroid cancer victims will die in 2012. If you experience a persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, neck swelling or thyroid lumps, you may want to consider taking out a cancer insurance policy before it is too late. (1) (2)

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Uterine Cancer

Uterine (endometrial) cancer attacks the lining of the uterus, beginning in the cells that create and release mucus. While this type of cancer commonly affects women 60 and older, some cases may occur in women under 40. Numerous risk factors include diabetes, infertility, obesity, early menstruation, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and estrogen replacement therapy without the use of progesterone. The National Cancer Institute predicts that 47,130 American women will contract endometrial cancer in 2012. Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic cramps, post-menopause vaginal discharge or lower abdominal pain. A wide variety of pre-cancer insurance policies are available through CancerPlans.com. (1) (2)

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