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Breast cancer remains among the most common cancers facing women in the U.S., and thanks to ongoing research, detection and treatment have improved dramatically. But even with progress, a diagnosis can create a serious financial shock. Sound financial planning now must account for that possibility. The Numbers: Risk & Impact • The average lifetime risk for a woman in the U.S. developing breast cancer is about 12.9% (roughly 1 in 8). • Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of new female cancer diagnoses (excluding skin cancer) in the U.S. • Over time, death rates from breast cancer have fallen—declining approximately 44% since 1989—thanks largely to earlier detection and better therapies. • Age matters. For example, a U.S. woman’s 10-year risk of developing breast cancer is roughly: • Age 30 → 0.49% • Age 40 → 1.55% • Age 50 → 2.40% • Age 60 → 3.54% These numbers highlight: the risk is real, increases with age, but much can be mitigated via research, screening, and better treatments. Why Financial Planning Must Include “What If” Even with health insurance, a cancer diagnosis can bring unplanned costs: out-of-pocket for treatments, travel to specialty centers, caregiving, lost wages, home modifications, and more. Financial resilience means thinking ahead: • Emergency funds should allow you to weather interruptions in income or large medical bills. • Insurance design matters—beyond just health and disability insurance, consider riders or living benefits that help during illness. • Flexibility is key—you want benefits you can use however you need (not just restricted to medical bills). • Review periodically—as medical science and insurance offerings evolve, your coverage needs may change. Do Nationwide & National Life Support Cancer / Critical Illness Riders? Yes — both insurers offer living-benefit or accelerated benefit features that can cover serious illnesses like cancer (so long as the specific policy definitions, conditions, and state forms align). Important caveats: • The specific definition of “cancer / critical illness” matters (some policies only cover invasive cancer or exclude early/non-invasive forms). • Waiting periods or “manifestation” clauses may apply—e.g. National Life’s cancer condition must manifest after the 30th day of the rider. • Any payout reduces remaining death benefit and policy values. • Availability and terms vary by state and product.