Gauteng records high cancer, cardiovascular and motor vehicle accidents

The high pace of life facing Gauteng residents could be taking a toll on their health and lifestyles. The pressure of having to maintain a job when retrenchments are increasing combined with a fast paced modern lifestyle can lead to increased levels of stress, poor sleep and consequently poor resilience and a weakened immune system.

According to Liberty Claim Statistics for 2017, in Gauteng 25% of all claims were for cancer. Prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women were the highest cause of claims. Unfortunately, Gauteng also saw four times as many brain cancer claims than in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). 

While only Established Providers claimed for brain cancer in KZN, Gauteng saw claims for brain cancer from Young Achievers (millennials), Young Parents, Established Providers and Empty Nesters. In addition, there were also a high number of claims from both males and females in the province. 

Dr Thabani Nkwanyana, Liberty Medical Officer says, “Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in our society. This is reflected in our Claim Statistics and has been a recurring trend for the past three years. The good news, however, is that cancer treatment is widely available and effective, but works best if the cancer is detected earlier rather than later, so regular check-in’s with a GP is highly recommended.” 

Disproportionately higher claims for motor vehicle accidents

Gauteng had a significantly higher number of claims for motor accidents than any other province. When compared to other provinces, 47.5% of total motor vehicle claims came from Gauteng. This was followed by the Western Cape and KZN both at 17.5% of total claims. 

Dr Nkwanyana adds: “Personal injuries as a result of a road accident could lead to prolonged sick leave, extensive work disability, medical boarding and, in some cases, retrenchment. Treatment for serious disabilities is expensive, it is therefore important to have personal cover for severe personal injuries in place.” 

However, what is very concerning is that suicide claims in Gauteng were higher than road accident claims. This could be related to pace of life in the province. 

Since 2003, Liberty has been the largest writer of new risk business for 15 years in a row, according to the Swiss Re Individual Market Risk Volumes Survey.

Significant cardiovascular claims 

Gauteng saw 18% of total claims for cardiovascular diseases. The top disorders included coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (heart attacks), cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia. What is most concerning is that cardiovascular conditions, previously more prevalent in men, are now also showing a high number of claims from women. 

As the largest writer of new risk business between 2002 and 2017, Liberty maintains that financial planning should be an on-going process that assists when the unexpected happens in one’s life.