The need for extra funding during cancer treatment has been further emphasised by a report by Macmillan Cancer Support, according to Brian Hall, Sales and Marketing Director at healthcare insurer and employee benefits provider BHSF.

The report draws comparisons between the average survival times of those diagnosed with cancer over the past 40 years, highlights the impact of cancer treatment and underlines the effects of the various treatment pathways, in particular the energy sapping fatigue experienced by sufferers.

Brian Hall says this is further evidence of the market need for products such as BHSF's Plan4Life Cancer Cover.

"A lump sum payment at the point when diagnosis is confirmed helps to cushion the effect of reduced working hours, increased travel and support costs such as childcare and the like", he said.

"The great news that survival rates are improving for many cancers often masks the fact that the treatment itself can be a real ordeal. Sufferers tell us that the diagnosis of cancer and the treatment that follows changes everything - priorities, lifestyle and even the level of independence."

Brian added: "It's not just the cash that Plan4Life Cancer Cover generates. There is important access to counselling and support for the sufferer and, their family. For instance the product gives 24/7 telephone access to qualified GPs. 

"But make no mistake, the provision of a lump sum of up to £30,000, is the key to taking the pressure off and leaving the individual to concentrate on their health and time with their family."

Not-for-profit BHSF is currently the only insurer actively marketing this type of 'all' cancer cover to employee and affinity groups, as well as to direct applicants, and has recently simplified the product regarding prostate cancer. With premiums from around £1 per week for £5,000 of cover, the claim is that this is cover anybody can afford.

BHSF's interest in this area goes further than just the commercial aspect. They support the Genesis Appeal - the UK's only breast cancer prevention charity whose research clinic in Manchester is unique. 

In addition, Peter Maskell, BHSF's Chief Executive, sits on the Capital Appeals Committee of the Marie Curie Big Build Appeal with the aim of raising £21 million to build a state-of-the-art hospice for the West Midlands in Solihull.  

BHSF is also sponsoring the Birmingham Brain Game from 2011 to 2013 in support of the Big Build Appeal and the 2011 event raised £120,000.

Brian Hall said: "This is precisely what BHSF is about - aiding the welfare of the individual, the employer's wellbeing agenda and the concerns of the wider community." 

Further information is available at www.bhsf.co.uk