Cervical Cancer Insurance: Tips to Find the Right Insurance Plan for Treatment

Posted on: Mar 31, 2023 | | Written by:

Cervical Cancer Insurance: Tips to Find the Right Insurance Plan for Treatment

Published on March 30, 2023. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

Getting diagnosed with cervical or any other type of cancer can be quite traumatising for a person and his/her loved ones. The diagnosis can not only take its toll on one’s physical and emotional well-being but also drain the person’s savings.

A healthcare plan will cover your medical bills and help you avail of the best treatment without agonising about the expenses.

Read on to understand what is cervical cancer and how having a cervical cancer insurance policy can make things easier for you during such difficult times.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of carcinoma that starts in the cells of the cervix of a woman’s body. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that helps connect the uterus with the vagina.

Since the cervix plays an important role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and childbirth, cancer in this muscular, tunnel-like organ is a cause of concern. However, the condition is generally curable if diagnosed early and with the right treatment.

As cervical cancer is becoming increasingly common among women, opting for a good cervical cancer insurance policy or critical illness coverage is wise. If you get diagnosed with this health condition, you can opt for the best treatment without worrying about the expenses.

Types of Cervical Cancer

The two primary types of cervical cancer are:

1. Squamous cell carcinoma:

This type of cervical cancer is the most common. It starts in the thin, flat squamous cells lining the cervix’s bottom part, which connects with the vagina.

2. Adenocarcinoma:

This type of cervical cancer starts in the column-shaped glandular cells present in the upper part of the cervix. Some rare types of cervical cancer are:

• Adenosquamous carcinomas

• Glassy cell carcinomas

• Neuroendocrine carcinomas

Cervical Cancer: Causes

Most cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) – a virus that gets transferred from one person to another during sexual intercourse. A long-lasting infection with certain types of HPV can cause this condition. While many sexually active women get HPV at some point, not all get diagnosed with cervical cancer. The condition begins due to mutations in the DNA of the healthy cells present in the cervix. In a normal cell cycle, the healthy cells in the cervix grow and multiply at a normal rate and die eventually. However, when there are mutations in the DNA, the cells keep growing and multiplying continuously, and they do not die. These abnormal cells get collected and form a tumour.

Other than HPV, some other possible causes of cervical cancer are the environment you live in and your lifestyle choices.

Cervical Cancer: Symptoms

Cervical cancer can cause various symptoms in different people. Certain common symptoms of cervical cancer are listed below:

• Light bleeding or blood spots after periods

• Longer and heavier menstrual bleeding

• Increased vaginal discharge

• Enduring pain in the back or pelvis

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Bleeding after intercourse

• Bleeding after pelvic examination or douching

• Bleeding after menopause

• Swelling in the legs

• Appetite loss

• Weight loss and exhaustion

Cervical Cancer: Diagnosis

Cervical cancer is usually diagnosed by performing one or more of the following tests:

• PAP test

• HPV typing test

• Sterile speculum examination and bimanual pelvic examination

• Punch biopsy

• Conization (cone biopsy)

• Endocervical curettage (ECC)

• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)

• Pelvic examination under anaesthesia

Other than these, doctors may also perform X-rays, CT scans, MRI, colposcopy, and some more tests to diagnose the condition.

Cervical Cancer: Treatment

Cervical cancer can be treated in different ways depending on the severity of the condition. Hence, after a thorough diagnosis, doctors may suggest one or more of the following treatment options:

• Surgery:

Doctors surgically remove the cancerous tissue or tumour in this treatment method.

• Radiation:

This treatment method uses high-energy rays or radiation to destroy cancerous cells.

• Chemotherapy:

Certain medicines are prescribed to kill or shrink cancerous cells in this mode of treatment. The drugs or medicines used in this treatment can be oral or intravenous.

Some other cervical cancer treatment options are:

• Immunotherapy

• Targeted therapy

• Biopsy

• Laser Ablation

• Hysterectomy

Prevention of Cervical Cancer

One can prevent cervical cancer by getting vaccinated against HPV. You must also opt for regular tests and screenings, such as HPV and PAP tests, every year. These tests will help in the early diagnosis of the condition and its timely treatment. In most cases, cervical cancer can be treated if diagnosed at an early stage. Also, taking precautions while indulging in sexual activities can lower the chances of cervical cancer.

Why Should You Buy Medical Insurance or a Cervical Cancer Cover?

A medical insurance policy or cervical cancer insurance plan offers many benefits to policyholders. With a healthcare plan or a policy that provides coverage against cancer in women, you can opt for the best treatment, and the insurer will take care of the bills. The following are some benefits of choosing a good medical insurance plan:

• Treatment costs:

Cervical cancer treatment can be quite expensive, especially for those with limited resources. If you have the right healthcare plan, the insurance company will take care of your treatment bills and save you from major stress, anxiety, and economic setbacks.

• Cashless hospitalisation:

Cancer treatment can cause severe side effects that may require emergency medical attention. When you have a health insurance policy, you can rush to the nearest network hospital without worrying about the bills.

• Financial security:

When you have a healthcare plan or cervical cancer insurance policy, you will not have to worry about using your savings. The insurance policy will cover your major medical bills and ensure peace of mind for you and your family.

• Free preventive health check-ups:

Some insurance policies offer free preventive health check-ups at the time of policy renewal. This can help in the early diagnosis of cancer or any other health condition and its timely treatment.

• Lumpsum benefit:

If you have women cancer plan or cervical cancer insurance plan well in advance. With the right health insurance policies, you can opt for timely medical attention and be on the road to recovery sooner.

Conclusion

Although a serious condition, cervical cancer treatment is possible in most cases, early diagnosis can make its treatment easier and increase the chances of survival. Considering that treating cancer or any other critical illness can put a big dent in your savings, it is important that you take a good critical illness coverage, a women cancer plan or cervical cancer insurance plan well in advance. With the right health insurance policies, you can opt for timely medical attention and be on the road to recovery sooner.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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