Two Money-Saving Apps Everyone Should Have in 2026

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.