April is Testicular Cancer Awareness month. It’s a cancer that’s most common in men ages 15-35 years, but men of all ages can be at risk [1].

Statistics from the Movember Foundation revealed that 1 in 10 men don’t know how to check for signs of the disease [2]. So as it’s Testicular Cancer Awareness month, we’ve put together three key points so that you are prepared.

1. Check Regularly

2,300 men are diagnosed every year in Britain [3]. Most testicular cancer awareness organisations recommend that males conduct regular self-exams. Research from the Movember Foundation concluded that 70% of men aren’t checking regularly enough.

4 out of 5 instances of testicular cancer will be painless, and the only way to detect the disease is with a monthly physical exam.

2. Be prepared financially

As well as making sure you check regularly, you need to ensure you have the right protection in place in case the worst happens to you.

Critical Illness Cover is designed to pay out a lump sum or regular payment to ease your recovery if the worst was to happen to you are diagnosed with a serious illness specified in your policy.

Most people believe that a critical illness will never happen to them, but most of us know of someone either directly or through friends and family that has been affected. When considering Critical Illness Cover, it’s worth thinking about the effect of not being protected.

Having Critical Illness Cover in place can help ease your recovery by paying out the money you need for your care and treatment, your recuperation, help pay off your mortgage or make up for lost income.

With the good news that survival rates are increasing for certain conditions [4], the need for financial protection could be even more important.

Please note for these insurance products terms and conditions apply. This information is a summary only. You will receive a full policy document upon application. This policy will set out the terms, conditions and limitations of cover provided under the plan

3. Pass on the message

If you’re reading this, not only should you be taking notice, but you should remind your friends and family. Most of us know someone that’s in the common age group most affected.

Since the early 1990s, testicular cancer incidence rates have increased by more than a quarter (27%) in males in the UK [5]. It is for this reason that charities like the Movember Foundation are doing their utmost to raise awareness, and now you can do your bit too.

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Our expert protection advisers can help secure you with the right critical illness cover to ensure you are financially protected in case the worst happens to you. To speak with an adviser, call 01224 316200 or fill in our online enquiry form.

Lifetime Finance Group Limited trading as Aberdeen Mortgage Company is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of First Complete Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for mortgages, protection insurance and general insurance products. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of Buy to Let. Lifetime Finance Group Limited.

Sources:
[1] Testicular Cancer Awareness, March 2018, www.testicularcancerawarenessmonth.com
[2] Movember Foundation, March 2018
[3] Cancer Research UK, March 2018
[4] Cancer Research UK, http://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org/2018/02/03/news-digest-cancer-survival-breast-cancer-drug-cancer-jab-trials-and-vaping/, February 2018
[5] Cancer Research UK, http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/testicular-cancer/incidence, March 2018