What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. Some, however, will experience symptoms such as frequent, hesitant, or burning urination, difficulty in having an erection, or pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.
If there are no symptoms, how is prostate cancer detected?
Screening for prostate cancer can be performed in a physician’s office using two tests: the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and the digital rectal exam. After age 50 these exams are recommended annually.
How common is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men behind skin cancer. The good news is that while it is a very common cancer with about 1 in 6 men expected to have it at some time during their life, it is also a very survivable cancer.
What information should I have available when I contact an agent to purchase life insurance?
When your cancer was diagnosed. Your PSA at the time of diagnosis. The stage and grade of your cancer. It is good to have a copy of the biopsy that you can provide your agent. When treatment was completed, and your current PSA. In the case of brachytherapy treatment,the date your PSA dropped below 1.0 and below .5.
How long will I have to wait until I am insurable?
With a radical prostatectomy it will be at least six months after your PSA reaches 0. With brachytherapy, depending on the company, 1 year after your PSA reaches 1.0 or .5 and remains below that level for the year.
In general, is prostate cancer more or less insurable than other cancers?
Because of the high 1, 5, 10, and 15 year survivability rates for prostate cancer, it is actually one of the more insurable cancers. Most prostate cancer is caught at an early stage, which makes it very treatable.
What are the side effects of treatment?
If surgery is performed as treatment, it’s possible to become impotent as a result of the operation. With radiotherapy, you may experience tiredness, diarrhea, and some nausea, however, these are temporary and will no longer be present when the treatment is finished. Impotence, however, is experienced long-term for about half of the individuals who have radiotherapy.
How can I improve my chances of getting competitive life insurance rates if I have had prostate cancer?
Use an independent agent and quiz them to make sure they understand the disease, the underwriting, and have a track record of success. Ask for referrals.