Cancer costs are a big worry says a recent study from the Canadian Cancer Society.

Toronto – Only one-third believe health-care system will provide them with affordable treatment.

A recent Globe and Mail article from September 2010 is highlighting the fact that a large number of Canadians now fear the financial repercussions of a cancer diagnosis as much as the health consequences, a new survey reveals.

The poll, commissioned by the Canadian Cancer Society shows that only one-third of citizens believe the health-care system would provide them with affordable treatment if they were cancer-stricken.

Given the soaring cost of drugs and the spotty coverage afforded by drug plans around the country, they are right to worry, says Aaron Levo, assistant director of public issues at the Canadian Cancer Society.

The Canadian Cancer Society is pushing for a new national catastrophic drug insurance program to help Canadian’s in need of drugs not covered by OHIP.

If only more Canadians understood how Critical Illness insurance could help cover finances during Cancer recovery and protect against this risk, we may not have this problem. Canadians are kept out of the loop because most life insurance brokers and agents in Canada are not effectively trained and do not even mention Critical Illness insurance to their clients. The fact that Critical Illness insurance is harder to qualify for than life insurance is a big reason advisors don’t bother mentioning it. This is a great disservice to many clients and goes against the fiduciary duty of the advisor, who is there to recommend proper financial protection for all aspects of the client’s life.

Cancer drugs taken outside the hospital – and hence not automatically covered by OHIP – cost about $20,000 for a course of treatment. For newer drugs, the cost exceeds $65,000.

An estimated 173,800 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Canada in 2010, according to projections from the Canadian Cancer Society. At least 76,200 Canadians will die of cancer this year.

Fortunately Lifesure Group provides Canadians with Critical Illness insurance to cover the cost of treatment and recovery during a life-threatening illness such as Cancer. A tax-free lump sum of money is paid after diagnosis and after the waiting period is satisfied . Many Critical Illness Insurance plans offer Best Doctors Services, a network powered by the world’s top specialist doctors dedicated to providing diagnostic second opinions and treatment advice. Visit our Critical Illness Insurance page here.