Insurance claims for cancer are on the rise among men as a result of their increased awareness of health issues, insurer Aegon has revealed.
The insurance group said cancer accounted for 50% of all male critical illness claims that it received in 2015.
Prostate cancer was the most common as it made up 19% of the cancer claims. It was followed by cancer of the bowel, colon and rectum which accounted for 18% of the claims.
From 2014 to 2015, Aegon said there was an 11% increase in critical illness claims for cancer of the bowel, colon and rectum.
According to the insurer, the amount paid out in claims to men increased from £15.4 million in 2014 to £17.9 million in 2015. Pay-outs in 2015 ranged from £1,100 to £500,000.
Aegon said cancer claims have increased among men because they are now more aware of key health issues.
“More men are catching serious health concerns early enough to be able to treat them providing a better outcome, which is fantastic,” said Stephen Crosbie, protection director at Aegon UK.
“Early detection and better treatment means that survival rates after a diagnosis of cancer are improving. This further emphasises the importance of critical illness cover,” Crosbie added.
Related stories:
Zurich UK releases claims figures
Insurance boss runs miles for cancer charity
AIG introduces ‘simpler’ critical illness cover in UK
