CANCER- One of the major causes of death(s) in INDIA

Cancer has been accounted as the topmost cause of death after Heart Attack in India. 

Major types of cancer to affect people are  Gall Bladder, Cervical and Oral cancer.

80 % patients visit the doctors at a stage when recovery is difficult ( almost impossible).

71 % of deaths reported are from the age group of 29-70 years.

70 % of patients loose their lives within first year of diagnosis, owing to late detection.

15 % patients are children and young adults in India, as compared to the average of 0.5% worldwide.

60 % of cancers are  lifestyle related - obesity, tobacco, no exercise.

Love you, Papa!

Cancer- Financial Support and Insurance Policies

Someone you love has just been diagnosed with CANCER- what next? Treatment- Yes!

Most of you will agree with me that the word "treatment" is now synonymous with a big fat expense. Recently, I watched this movie on cancer- which clearly defines cancer as a billion dollar industry. Most of us know the result but that doesn't stop us from trying. 

I wouldn't deny that in desperation, one will do anything to save their loved ones( sincere confession- I did everything myself, from Allopathy to Homeopathy to Ayurveda and what not, I did everything that gave me a ray hope, even if it meant few hours of life for my father). But actually most of the time, the attempts are futile and we end up loosing a lot- by the time the battle comes to  an end, we are physically, emotionally and financially drained. 

Sometimes financial stress, leads to dire consequences- people not taking treatment or ending their life long before the time actually arrives.

I feel blessed, that when papa was diagnosed with cancer- I din't have to think about financial expenses but many people are not fortunate enough. Many are not aware that there are actually Non profit organizations(NGOs) offering financial help. Some insurance companies offer cancer- related insurance policies. 

So I thought, of making a list where people can get information at one place.

Financial Support

Following is the list where people can get financial assistance

• PM National Relief fund - Rs.3 lac
• Chief Minister Relief Fund (of the State) 
• Sir Dorabji Tata Trust- Rs.1-2 lac
• National Health Ministry at least Rs.1 lakhs & Max up to 10 lac provided your annual income is not more than 1 lac. 
• Ratan Tata Trust ,Mumbai- Rs.4 lac
• Indian Cancer society near TMH Rs 4 lac provided 100 % bone marrow match otherwise Rs.15 k. 
• Salman khan' s foundation Rs.10k - every monday morning
• Tata Chem Golden Jublie foundation Rs. 20 k. 
• Siddhivinayak Temple Rs.25 k
• Mahalaskhmi Temple Rs.10k 
• Tata Memorial Center doctors Rs.5 Lac
• Hans Foundation
• Reliance Foundation

Insurance Schemes

Cancer Patients Aid Association 

CPAA, In 1994 introduced the Cancer Insurance Policy in collaboration with New India Assurance Company. The policy is available to any healthy individual who have never had cancer in the past. Individual wishing to take this policy  have to undergo a compulsory free check up at one of the designated CPAA’s Cancer Detection Centers. 

The Checkup

1. A Physician, a General Surgeon, a Gynaecologist and an E.N.T. Surgeon will screen them. 
2. Basic blood tests
3. Pap smear test (for women) 

Life Insurance Corporation – Asha Deep Policy-2 

This  policy covers the risk of 4 major ailments 

1. Cancer (malignant)
2. Paralytic stroke resulting in permanent disability 
3. Renal failure of both kidneys 
4. Coronary artery diseases where by pass surgery has been done

Indian Cancer Society 

Indian Cancer society also offers Cancer Insurance Policy with New India Insurance

ICICI : Critical Care Insurance Critical Care

Protects you or your spouse against loss of income on diagnosis of any of the 9 major medical illnesses and procedures. 

Illness covered

1. Cancer
2. Bypass Surgery 
3. Heart Attack
4. Kidney Failure 
5. Major Organ Transplant 
6. Stroke
7. Paralysis
8. Heart Valve Replacement Surgery 
9. Multiple Sclerosis

Critical Care Insurance also provides cover against accidental death and permanent total disablement (PTD).

Kidwai Cancer Care Foundation Trust- Bangalore

Along with Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology has introduced the Cancer Insurance Scheme known as  'CAT' - Care Against Tumor (lifetime).

Anyone is eligible for this insurance coverage on a one-time payment of Rs 1000. 

The trust is committed to provide treatment up to Rs 1,00,000. 

This treatment also includes diagnostic investigations and management of disease, including ward charges in a semi-private ward.

Love you, Papa!