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Imagine the psychological impact when a doctor tells a patient they have cancer. Just hearing the word can leave patients stunned, barely absorbing the rest of what the doctor says. For many, cancer is synonymous with death. Though it may not be life-ending, it is almost always life-changing.

This diagnosis often dominates patients' thoughts and reshapes their life plans. Some might even hasten to take that dream cruise around the world. It’s rare for a patient not to feel at least a bit scared about the looming tests and treatments.

The psychological distress from a cancer diagnosis can lead to severe effects, including harmful physiological responses and even suicidal thoughts. Men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) are no exception.

Research is increasingly highlighting the mental health impact of a PCa diagnosis. A study in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, reported by Renal & Urology News, found that elderly men have a significantly higher risk of hospitalisation for non-cancer conditions after being diagnosed with non-metastatic PCa. The study's authors, led by Amit D. Raval, PhD, suggest that psychological distress, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts triggered by the diagnosis might explain this increased risk. The stress can elevate levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine, leading to higher heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

Another study by Quoc-Dien Trinh, MD, and colleagues at Harvard Medical School, published in BJU International, found that men with PCa face a higher risk of suicide and accidental death within the first year of diagnosis compared to men with other solid cancers. The authors emphasised the importance of close monitoring and coordination with mental health professionals for at-risk men.

While mental health support is crucial, urologists who deliver the diagnosis with empathy can also make a significant positive impact. Most men diagnosed with PCa have low-risk disease, which has an extremely favourable prognosis and can be cured or managed effectively. Even those with advanced disease often have good long-term outcomes. Delivering these facts with compassion can greatly ease patients' fears.

Easing the financial burden that comes with a diagnosis is one of the key benefits of a critical illness protection plan. If you want to explore how such a plan could integrate into your financial planning, please get in touch with us. We're here to help you find the financial protection you need during this challenging time.

A cancer diagnosis can have serious financial implications, adding stress to an already difficult situation. Some potential financial consequences include:

• Medical Expenses: The cost of cancer treatment can be extremely high. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medications, and specialised tests. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses can accumulate quickly.
• Loss of Income: Cancer treatment often requires extended time off work, leading to a loss of income. This is particularly challenging for those who are self-employed or do not have adequate sick leave or disability benefits.
• Travel and Accommodation Costs: Patients may need to travel to access specialised treatment centres. The costs of travel, accommodation, and meals can add up, especially if the treatment is prolonged.
• Home Care and Rehabilitation: Post-treatment recovery may require home care services, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, which are often not fully covered by insurance.
• Impact on Family Finances: The financial strain of a cancer diagnosis can affect the entire family. Spouses or family members may need to reduce work hours or stop working to provide care, further impacting household income.
• Debt and Financial Hardship: Without adequate financial protection, the cost of cancer treatment can lead to significant debt and financial hardship, affecting the patient’s ability to meet other financial obligations, such as mortgage payments and daily living expenses.
• Future Insurability: A cancer diagnosis can impact future insurability and the cost of obtaining new insurance policies, making it more challenging to secure adequate coverage.

Given these potential financial consequences, having a critical illness protection plan is essential. It provides a financial safety net, helping to cover medical expenses, replace lost income, and alleviate the overall financial burden, allowing patients to focus on recovery. If you would like to discuss how such a plan could fit within your financial planning arrangements, please get in touch with us. We're here to help you secure the financial protection you need.