Financial Planning

Working through cancer: Support today, financial confidence for tomorrow

A cancer diagnosis affects far more than a person’s health. It can disrupt income, increase everyday expenses and place unexpected pressure on a family’s financial plans.

The latest available estimates from the Global Cancer Observatory of the World Health Organization indicate that approximately 101 600 new cancer cases were recorded in South Africa in 2024. Breast cancer accounted for an estimated 13 338 new cases, while prostate cancer accounted for approximately 15 060.

Claims experience further highlights the potential impact. Cancer accounted for 53,64% of Sanlam Group Risk critical illness claims in 2025, making it the leading cause of critical illness claims in that portfolio. It was also responsible for 14% of income disability claims).

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, conversations often focus on screening, treatment and recovery. These are vital, but it is equally important to consider how a diagnosis could affect your ability to earn an income and meet your financial commitments.

Even with medical scheme membership and gap cover, cancer can introduce costs that may not be fully covered. These could include travelling to treatment facilities, childcare, home assistance or taking time away from work.

This is where financial preparation can make a meaningful difference.

Depending on your individual needs, affordability and existing cover, a financial adviser can help you consider how severe illness cover, income protection, life cover and emergency savings might work together.

The Sanlam Severe Illness Cancer benefit is designed to provide financial support following a qualifying cancer diagnosis. A benefit payment could help with certain medical and non-medical expenses, subject to the definitions, exclusions, waiting periods, underwriting requirements and terms of the policy.

No financial plan can remove the emotional or physical impact of cancer. But an appropriately structured plan may provide greater financial resilience, giving you and your family more room to focus on treatment, support and recovery.

Stress-test your financial plan before life does

Speak to a Sanlam financial adviser today to see how you can prepare yourself financially for a cancer diagnosis. Review your existing cover, employee benefits, emergency savings and potential income gaps, then decide whether your current plan is still right for you.

Start the conversation today, so your financial plan can keep working when life does not go according to plan.