Breast cancer is the most commonly claimed for condition among men and women amounting to almost a quarter (24%) of claims, Aviva has revealed.
Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month which runs throughout October, data from the insurer also shows that breast cancer is by far the most common reason for claim among women, accounting for 48% of claims.
Over the year Aviva paid £33.4 million to critical illness customers with breast cancer, with an average payment of more than £79,000. This includes five cases of male breast cancer.
Aviva said it receives almost twice as many claims for breast cancer than the next most common condition (breast cancer 24% vs heart attack 11%).
Around 50,000 women and 350 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to figures from BreastCancerCampaign.org.
Robert Morrison, chief underwriter for Aviva said: "Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK and sadly it affects more than 50,000 people and their families across the nation each year. It's therefore no surprise that it's the biggest reason for claim amongst our critical illness customers, accounting for almost half of claims from women.
"When someone is unwell and undergoing treatment, the last thing they want to worry about is how to pay the bills. A payment from a critical illness policy can take away financial concerns and provide that headspace, so people can concentrate on themselves and their health when it matters most."
