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Prostate Cancer and

Life Insurance

Leonard Robbins
March 2010
Prostate Cancer and Life Insurance

Prostate cancer is the most common of all cancers in men. Men over 50 are
generally screened as part of a regular checkup by a combination of digital rectal
exam and a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test.

Prostate cancer is also one of the most curable forms of cancer. Possible
treatment programs range from “watchful waiting” in older men; to complete
removal of the prostate gland in others. Treatment choices are based not only
on age, but the stage and grade of cancer at discovery. Stage refers to the size
and the extent to which the cancer has spread to other surrounding areas; while
grade is an indication of how aggressive the tumor appears. Both scores are used
by the underwriter in determining insurability.

About 75% of all men in their 80’s will test positive at biopsy for this type of
cancer. However, because of the typically slow growth characteristic of prostate
cancer, life expectancy is usually less than the time for the cancer to become a
problem.

While there are differing points of view in the medical profession regarding the
use and appropriateness of the PSA in predicting prostate cancer, life insurance
companies generally rely on scores below 4 in applicant’s blood tests to screen for
this issue. Scores above 4 generally require a recent negative biopsy before the
applicant is considered for coverage.

Generally, life insurance companies are conservative by nature and especially so

with most types of cancer. However, with certain life insurance companies,
prostate cancer may be an exception to this rule. For example, older men may be
eligible for a “standard” rating on permanent policies even when the cancer has
not been removed, as long as the PSA score is below 10.
In younger men, a standard rating is usually possible shortly after surgical removal
of the prostate, provided that the cancer was localized and there is an
undetectable PSA score post-operatively.

When shopping for life insurance, men with prostate cancer history will want to
take advantage of an independent insurance agent. Find an independent agent
who has the ability to summarize your medical records and informally request
offers from carriers known to view this disease in a positive light.