Ellen’s Story

Facing the fear of cancer with financial preparedness

Cancer runs deep in my family. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 40s, and my grandmother battled ovarian cancer in her 50s. Two of my aunts also faced their own cancer diagnoses. Watching their journeys has made me acutely aware of my own risk. With such a strong family history, the thought of developing cancer has always been in the back of my mind. Every ache, every lump or bump, made me wonder, “Is it my turn?”

I’ve always been proactive about my health. Regular check-ups, screenings, and leading a healthy lifestyle were my top priorities. But one thing I was never fully prepared for was the financial impact cancer could have if I were diagnosed.

I watched my mother struggle, not only with the physical and emotional toll of her treatment but also with the financial stress that came with it. Even with decent health insurance, there were so many hidden costs that piled up. Between travelling to specialist appointments, taking time off work for treatments, and hiring additional help around the house, the bills seemed never-ending.

What many people don’t realise is that health insurance often covers just the basics: the surgeries, the treatments, and the hospital stay. But what about everything else? The cost of commuting to and from treatment centres, childcare, alternative therapies, and even small things like parking fees or dietary needs – it all adds up. My mother had to dip into her savings just to make ends meet during her battle, and even then, it wasn’t enough. We all chipped in to help, but the financial burden was heavy.

I couldn’t help but think, “What if that happens to me?” I live alone and don’t have a partner to help carry the financial load if I’m unable to work. The thought of battling cancer alone, while also worrying about how to pay the bills, is terrifying.

That’s when I started to explore options like Inqus. With a history like mine, I knew I needed something beyond just health insurance. Inqus offers a cash payout upon diagnosis, which would have allowed my mother to focus more on her health and less on how to cover all those unexpected expenses. It’s exactly the kind of security I need to protect myself, should I ever face the same battle.

Cancer doesn’t just impact your body; it impacts every aspect of your life. Financial stress is often overlooked, but it can be just as debilitating as the disease itself. Having the peace of mind that a product like Inqus offers means that if I ever do face a diagnosis, I can focus on getting better, rather than stressing over how to pay my rent.

It’s scary to think about, but it’s necessary. I’ve shared my story because I know there are others like me – healthy now but living with the shadow of a family history of cancer. If you’re in the same position, I urge you to think about how prepared you are, not just emotionally or physically, but financially too.

It’s never too early to plan for the unexpected.

This is a true story with names changed for privacy. If you or someone you know has experienced something similar, we encourage you to share your story and help others prepare for the unexpected.