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Prostate and life insurance worries

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User
Posted 09 Mar 2025 at 17:54

Hi everyone 

 

I have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 only on Friday. Trying to stay calm. Was ill at Christmas with a chest infection and was sent for blood tests and my psa came back at 67.4 . Had mri and bone scan . Doctors say bone scan looks fine but been sent for a ct scan to see if it as broke out and spread. Anybody know where I stand on my life insurance and critical illness insurance?  Been told also I can’t have surgery. Starting on hormone therapy then a 4-6 week batch of radiotherapy. 

User
Posted 09 Mar 2025 at 21:08

I too was diagnosed at 53, Gleason 9 and PSA 25. I had HT and RT. Seven years later, there is no evidence of cancer, so you are curable.

I don't know much about insurance. I am assuming you are talking about claiming on an existing policy? They can not argue about your diagnosis, if you were Gleason 6 or on Active Surveillance they may argue you aren't ill. Some people work through the RT course, it is disruptive going to hospital everyday, so I didn't attempt to work through it. I am pretty certain critical illness will pay if you choose not to work. I think we have had people paid out from life assurance, but it may require an incurable diagnosis to qualify.

If your question was about trying to buy cover, I doubt you will be able to get it at a reasonable premium. I know there are TV ads saying "no questions asked" but I suspect the small print will say something like, you don't have to disclose, but we don't have to pay. Insurance companies are there to make a profit for their shareholders, not be generous to ill people.

Dave

User
Posted 09 Mar 2025 at 21:31

Hi Ade

Sorry you’ve joined the club. It was 6 months ago I was diagnosed with PCA Gleason 9 as well and also on RT and HT. I know how scary it is at this point. There will be loads of info coming your way and it’s hard to take in everything. For me it got easier the more time went on and wish you luck. I had a critical illness policy and within the policy they had the criteria that had to be met. My life insurance didn’t cover this. After all scans I was given the diagnosis formerly in a letter. Basically there were several minimum criteria and I met a few of them although did confirm with the urologist. There was higher grade which had to be Gleason 7 or above or t2b. There was a lower grade requirement as well for Gleason less than 7 which was dependent on the treatment. But policies I’m sure differ. We contacted them and had to fill out a claim form and they rang me to go through but it was all done within a few weeks. If you haven’t already ask for the policy and there should be a section on prostrate cancer criteria. Once you have the diagnosis you can see if you qualify but also the doctors/ secretaries can help clarify if unsure. Wish you well.

S

Edited by member 09 Mar 2025 at 21:34  | Reason: Clarification

User
Posted 10 Mar 2025 at 07:57

Thanks for your message. Yes it is a real scary time at the moment. I am due to  talk to my insurance provider tomorrow, hopefully they can put some light on things. Trying to stay strong for my family but at age of 53 never thought I would have to face this, but I am a fighter and I will fight this and will beat it . I think the hardest bit is having to tell my 12 year old boy this week . I am happy for anyone wants to give me advice . Anything small or big will be appreciated.

 

thanks

Ade

User
Posted 10 Mar 2025 at 10:13

Hi Ade,

Probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do. Mine were 13 and 18 when  I told them. I’m 47. I took them away from anywhere they would be normally so they didn’t associate somewhere with me giving them the bad news and explained, with my wife, what had gone on and what I would be going through. I explained how PCA is different to many cancers in that it is much slower and that the treatment I was having was curative. I told them that I’m now being monitored and that is better than a lot of situations where people are walking around undiagnosed. I  explained to them the treatment I would be having and I asked them to have a think and if they had any questions. I tried to answer them as best as I could. One of the questions from my son was with all the cancer there has been in the family will he be getting it. This was very hard but pushed me to actually get genetically tested. The main thing is you are a fighter and you will beat it. I let mine know that is my intention, to my mum as well. I’m not very good at lying and I think this gave them hope. For me honesty was the best policy. Really wish you all the best. Sadly there is no easy way. Hope that helps a little.

Good luck

Stuart

User
Posted 10 Mar 2025 at 12:14

[reposting a post I did a while back]

Macmillan do some really helpful advice on this subject of telling your children.

Talking to Children and Teenagers
(Unfortunately, Riprap, the teenager's forum which this refers to, is defunct.)

There's a free Macmillan book available from most hospital cancer centres, and the PDF is available here:

Talking to Children and Teenagers when an Adult has Cancer

User
Posted 10 Mar 2025 at 15:27

Hi Ade,

welcome! I know that sounds a strange thing to say to someone that’s just been diagnosed with PCa but you’ve had the courage to come on here and talk to like minded people who know what you’re going through…and that’s a major step in come to terms with cancer in IMHO.

Yes you’re at the ‘scary’ stage but it does get easier when you’re treatment plan is in place and you can get on with getting yourself prepared for treatment. As you are starting HT, get working on these muscles, hopefully you’re a fit person anyway but do lots of weight bearing exercises…for me and many others the worst side-effect is joint pain, so it’s important you keep exercising…and don’t stop when you’re going through RT!

You’re quite young, but there’s lots of men on here your age or younger and there’s lots of advice. I’m an old geezer and my son is long since left home, but it was still quite difficult to tell him. I took the approach just saying that yes, I’ve got cancer but I’m on a curative path and I’m going to fight like hell to beat it. Also told him to make sure HE gets tested as soon as he is eligible.

just do as many nice things as you can and give yourself lots of treats to keep your mind from wandering.


I wish you all the best on your journey.

Derek

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User
Posted 09 Mar 2025 at 21:08

I too was diagnosed at 53, Gleason 9 and PSA 25. I had HT and RT. Seven years later, there is no evidence of cancer, so you are curable.

I don't know much about insurance. I am assuming you are talking about claiming on an existing policy? They can not argue about your diagnosis, if you were Gleason 6 or on Active Surveillance they may argue you aren't ill. Some people work through the RT course, it is disruptive going to hospital everyday, so I didn't attempt to work through it. I am pretty certain critical illness will pay if you choose not to work. I think we have had people paid out from life assurance, but it may require an incurable diagnosis to qualify.

If your question was about trying to buy cover, I doubt you will be able to get it at a reasonable premium. I know there are TV ads saying "no questions asked" but I suspect the small print will say something like, you don't have to disclose, but we don't have to pay. Insurance companies are there to make a profit for their shareholders, not be generous to ill people.

Dave

User
Posted 09 Mar 2025 at 21:31

Hi Ade

Sorry you’ve joined the club. It was 6 months ago I was diagnosed with PCA Gleason 9 as well and also on RT and HT. I know how scary it is at this point. There will be loads of info coming your way and it’s hard to take in everything. For me it got easier the more time went on and wish you luck. I had a critical illness policy and within the policy they had the criteria that had to be met. My life insurance didn’t cover this. After all scans I was given the diagnosis formerly in a letter. Basically there were several minimum criteria and I met a few of them although did confirm with the urologist. There was higher grade which had to be Gleason 7 or above or t2b. There was a lower grade requirement as well for Gleason less than 7 which was dependent on the treatment. But policies I’m sure differ. We contacted them and had to fill out a claim form and they rang me to go through but it was all done within a few weeks. If you haven’t already ask for the policy and there should be a section on prostrate cancer criteria. Once you have the diagnosis you can see if you qualify but also the doctors/ secretaries can help clarify if unsure. Wish you well.

S

Edited by member 09 Mar 2025 at 21:34  | Reason: Clarification

User
Posted 10 Mar 2025 at 07:51

Hi Dave 

Thanks for the message . I too will be unable to work whilst having RT . The nearest hospital is like 20 miles away . I am having a CT scan today to see if it as spread . Fingers crossed it hasn’t. Am due to talk to my insurance provider tomorrow so will hopefully have answers on that side.  It’s a real scary time right now, but trying to stay strong in front of my partner and friends.

 

ade 

User
Posted 10 Mar 2025 at 07:57

Thanks for your message. Yes it is a real scary time at the moment. I am due to  talk to my insurance provider tomorrow, hopefully they can put some light on things. Trying to stay strong for my family but at age of 53 never thought I would have to face this, but I am a fighter and I will fight this and will beat it . I think the hardest bit is having to tell my 12 year old boy this week . I am happy for anyone wants to give me advice . Anything small or big will be appreciated.

 

thanks

Ade

User
Posted 10 Mar 2025 at 10:13

Hi Ade,

Probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do. Mine were 13 and 18 when  I told them. I’m 47. I took them away from anywhere they would be normally so they didn’t associate somewhere with me giving them the bad news and explained, with my wife, what had gone on and what I would be going through. I explained how PCA is different to many cancers in that it is much slower and that the treatment I was having was curative. I told them that I’m now being monitored and that is better than a lot of situations where people are walking around undiagnosed. I  explained to them the treatment I would be having and I asked them to have a think and if they had any questions. I tried to answer them as best as I could. One of the questions from my son was with all the cancer there has been in the family will he be getting it. This was very hard but pushed me to actually get genetically tested. The main thing is you are a fighter and you will beat it. I let mine know that is my intention, to my mum as well. I’m not very good at lying and I think this gave them hope. For me honesty was the best policy. Really wish you all the best. Sadly there is no easy way. Hope that helps a little.

Good luck

Stuart

User
Posted 10 Mar 2025 at 12:14

[reposting a post I did a while back]

Macmillan do some really helpful advice on this subject of telling your children.

Talking to Children and Teenagers
(Unfortunately, Riprap, the teenager's forum which this refers to, is defunct.)

There's a free Macmillan book available from most hospital cancer centres, and the PDF is available here:

Talking to Children and Teenagers when an Adult has Cancer

User
Posted 10 Mar 2025 at 12:19

Thanks Andy 

I will take a look at it’s going to be hard telling him .

User
Posted 10 Mar 2025 at 15:27

Hi Ade,

welcome! I know that sounds a strange thing to say to someone that’s just been diagnosed with PCa but you’ve had the courage to come on here and talk to like minded people who know what you’re going through…and that’s a major step in come to terms with cancer in IMHO.

Yes you’re at the ‘scary’ stage but it does get easier when you’re treatment plan is in place and you can get on with getting yourself prepared for treatment. As you are starting HT, get working on these muscles, hopefully you’re a fit person anyway but do lots of weight bearing exercises…for me and many others the worst side-effect is joint pain, so it’s important you keep exercising…and don’t stop when you’re going through RT!

You’re quite young, but there’s lots of men on here your age or younger and there’s lots of advice. I’m an old geezer and my son is long since left home, but it was still quite difficult to tell him. I took the approach just saying that yes, I’ve got cancer but I’m on a curative path and I’m going to fight like hell to beat it. Also told him to make sure HE gets tested as soon as he is eligible.

just do as many nice things as you can and give yourself lots of treats to keep your mind from wandering.


I wish you all the best on your journey.

Derek

 
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