Breast cancer does not only affect women. Around 420 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year.
However, many men are unaware of the signs of breast cancer – or that they can even be diagnosed with this condition.
It is important to know how your chest normally looks and feels, whatever your gender. You can do this easily at home. To check for anything unusual for you, simply apply pressure around the breast/pec area, under the armpits, and round up to your collarbone. Look for lumps or any abnormalities, and squeeze the nipple to check for any discharge. Symptoms to look out for can include a painless lump on the breast tissue/pec area, an inverted nipple or an abnormal change in the breast tissue/pec area, such as a change in shape or size. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important that you get checked. There is probably nothing to worry about, but getting any changes checked quickly can help you find out what is causing them.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer, regardless of your gender, can be quite a shock. Going through tests and treatment can take its toll. Therefore, many people look to book a holiday abroad and take a break from everyday life following a diagnosis or when their treatment has finished. However, many people find that suitable travel insurance can cost more after a cancer diagnosis.
Having a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean you cannot travel. With some preparation and suitable travel insurance, you can look forward to your trip while making sure your individual circumstances have been considered.
Yes, many people travel after a breast cancer diagnosis or treatment. Before travelling, speak to your GP or medical team about your plans and whether there are any considerations you should make based on your treatment, recovery and destination. Taking some time to prepare can help you feel more confident about your trip.
Yes, you should declare your breast cancer and any other pre-existing medical conditions when arranging travel insurance. You may be asked questions about your diagnosis, treatment, any side effects and current health as part of the medical screening process. Providing accurate information helps your insurer understand your individual circumstances and determine what cover can be offered.
Check that your policy provides the cover you need and whether medical treatment related to your breast cancer is covered. Travel insurance can also provide cover for other unexpected situations during your trip, such as cancellation, lost baggage or needing to return home early.
Medical screening allows your insurer to understand more about your health and your individual circumstances. By providing accurate information about your diagnosis, treatment and current health, your circumstances can be assessed to determine what cover can be offered.
Taking some time to prepare before your trip can help you feel more confident about travelling. Speak to your healthcare team, make sure you have the medication you need and arrange suitable travel insurance before you go. It can also be helpful to research your destination and consider any healthcare facilities you may need during your trip.
At Insurancewith, we understand that everyone’s experience with cancer can be different.
Our approach is to understand your individual circumstances rather than rating everyone with the same medical condition as the same risk. When you request a quote, our in-house bespoke medical screening tool, Protectif, asks a series of questions about your general health, as well as details of your medical conditions and lifestyle, to get a deeper understanding of your individual circumstances. At Insurancewith, this means we can, where possible, offer a quote that reflects your personal situation. After all, we know that not all breast cancers are the same and that treatment can be different for everyone.
If you’d like to get a quote with us, you can do this online or over the phone with one of our trained advisers. For more tips and advice on travelling after a breast cancer diagnosis, read more here.
A breast cancer diagnosis, whether in males or females, can be an overwhelming experience. No one should feel like they are alone. There are lots of different support groups and charities that specialise in breast cancer or cancer care. They are available for those who may have some questions or just need general support.
Here are some organisations and support lines that you can get in contact with:
Macmillan Support Line: 0808 808 0000
MOOBS: https://www.moobs.uk/
Breast Cancer Now: 0808 800 6000
The National Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Helpline: 01629 813 000
*Statistics based on information provided by Cancer Research UK. More information can be found here.
