#2 Cause of Death in Men, But Not a Foregone Life Insurance Conclusion
Many men think purchasing life insurance is not possible following prostate cancer detection and treatment, but for some the option to purchase life insurance is a not a foregone conclusion. As you encounter potential clients with a history of elevated PSA or prostate cancer, do not be afraid to ask the important questions which may lead you to successful case placement.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, exceeded only by lung cancer. A total of 238,590 new cases of prostate cancer and 28,170 deaths from prostate cancer are anticipated in the U.S. in 2013*.
Although not common in men younger than age 40, the incidence rises rapidly with each decade after. The overall lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer is 1 in 6 men. Approximately 5-10% of prostate cancer cases are believed to be due primarily to high-risk inherited genetic factors – family history.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels (detected by blood test) may indicate prostate cancer, prostatitis which is inflammation of the prostate gland, or prostate enlargement. Often times higher than normal PSA results are tested further with a prostate biopsy to rule out a malignancy. Most men with elevated PSA levels have noncancerous prostate enlargement which is a normal part of aging. However, low levels of PSA do not necessarily rule out the possibility of cancer.
Here are the signs indicating the stages of prostate cancer:
- Stage 1 | Usually found inside the prostate gland
- Stage 2 | The tumor has grown inside the gland but not beyond it
- Stage 3 | The tumor has grown beyond the prostate but only barely
- Stage 4 | The cancer has spread (metastasized) outside the prostate to other tissues
Gleason’s score is based on 1 to 5 in severity. The higher the Gleason’s score the more likely the cancer will grow and spread. Pathologists usually identify the two most common pattern of cells in the tissue and then grade the 2 score for a total Gleason’s score (i.e. 3+3 pattern= Gleason’s score 6). Gleason’s score 6 is usually what is found in early detection. A Gleason’s score of 7 and above are more closely watch and often treated.
Treatment may include a prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate gland), radiation from outside the body referred to as external beam radiation, radiation inside the body called brachytherapy which is the placement of radioactive seeds in the prostate, Cryosurgery (freezing tissue to kill cancer cells), robotic surgery to remove specific parts of the tumor site, hormone, and chemotherapy. Depending on the type of treatment and the stage of prostate cancer, policy placement may be postponed for a period of time.
By working with Creative Life to comprehensively evaluate a particular client’s condition and understanding these potential outcomes, it will be easier to manage client expectations and achieve the best possible offer. Give your Creative Life Sales Team a call for a complimentary consult on a client with an impaired risk 800.992.2642.