Although cancer is one of the leading causes of the death in the United States, being diagnosed with cancer does not necessarily mean that you will automatically be denied a cancer life insurance policy. This article will focus on one of the most common forms of cancer–skin cancer–and will help you understand its implications on quotes for cancer life insurance. Visit this page for more information about life insurance with cancer. <hyperlink: cancer life insurance hub page>

Skin Cancer in the United States

Currently, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. On average, 1 in 6 people develop the disease, and about 1 in 65 people develop melanoma skin cancer—the most deadly form of the disease. Skin cancer is closely linked to sun exposure. Getting multiple sunburns throughout your life may increase your chance of getting skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The type of skin cancer you have can affect both your chances of receiving life insurance and how expensive your quotes for cancer life insurance may be. Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most curable forms of skin cancer and does not usually spread throughout the body. It is also a slow-growing cancer with a very high cure rate. Therefore, as long as there has been no reoccurrence of the basal cell cancer and you are keeping to your treatment plan, you may be able to qualify for a preferred rate.

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

The issue of squamous cell is similar to that of basal cell, except in one respect. The issue it poses on cancer life insurance is that although it has a similar cure rate to that of basal cell, it has been known to spread to other parts of the body as well. If it has not spread and was detected early, you may be able to qualify for preferred cancer life insurance rates. Make sure your insurance broker knows the stage of the disease and whether it has moved to other parts of your body when applying for life insurance.

Melanoma

Finally, melanoma skin cancer, the deadliest form, has the greatest impact on cancer life insurance. Melanoma generally starts as a mole and can spread quickly throughout your body. If treated early on, you may be able to apply for quality rates a few years after treatment. However, if the disease had spread throughout your body through your bloodstream, you may have to be cancer-free for upwards of a decade to receive quality rates. As with both basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, insurance brokers must know both the stage, and grade, or severity, of the melanoma to be able to tell you the best rate that they can offer you.

Next Steps

When you decide to apply for cancer life insurance, remember to reach out to a broker who specializes in cancer patients. He or she could know what questions to ask in order better your chances of potentially receiving the best insurance rate possible.

For information about life insurance for breast cancer, please read: “What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer and Life Insurance.”