Cost of cancer diagnosis and treatment to rise by almost two thirds over the next 10 years

Bucharest, 24th April 2012: MediHelp International announces to the Romanian market the results of a study conducted by its strategic partner BUPA, on the cost of cancer. According to the study, thecost of diagnosing and treating cancer in the UK is likely to rise by almost two thirds (62%) over the next decade.

In the report entitled “Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: A 2021 Projection” BUPA researchers estimate that the cost of cancer diagnosis and treatment will rise from £9.4 billion in 2010 to £15.3 billion by 2021 - an increase of £5.9 billion. This will mean that while in 2010, the average cost of treating someone diagnosed with cancer was approximately £30,000, by 2021, this will rise to almost £40,000. In addition, the report illustrates that the cost of cancer technologies and treatments will continue to rise significantly over the 10-year period.

Prof. Karol Sikora, Consultant Oncologist at Hammersmith Hospital and Medical Director of Cancer Partners UK said:“This report shows that the costs of providing optimal care in Britain will rise by a staggering 62% over the next decade; ironically, the reasons behind this dramatic increase in costs are a cause for celebration. Cancer is predominantly a disease of older people and because of the advances of modern medicine many more are living in good health well beyond retirement. This trend is set to continue so cancer incidence will inevitably rise. Fortunately, when cancer does strike, we now have powerful new technologies available to gradually turn cancer into a chronic, controllable disease like diabetes. However, the rising numbers and the advent of innovation come with a hefty price tag.“

Zahal Levy – President of MediHelp International said: “However pessimistic these results are, this is the reality of the world we live in. Perhaps some comfort we can find in the fact that Health Insurance, in some ways can be of a help protecting our families and ourselves from some of the risks of Cancer. Through MediHelp International and BUPA, people can have access to best available health care, in their country or anywhere in the world. Our private health insurance plans offer different ways of effectively managing the risks of cancer or other diseases: in the first phase, they may reduce the risk of illness by paying regular visits to their doctors, which may detect a possible disease at an early phase and later on patients have different methods of cure at their disposal in more than 7,500 hospitals and clinics worldwide. Preventive medical care and early detection are in the basis of our Health Insurance Schemes.”

As the leading private health insurance broker in Central and Eastern Europe, MediHelp International suggests that the solutions identified by BUPA researchers, could serve as a model to address the challenge on the Romanian and Eastern European Market as well:

1. Find new ways to address the cost of tests and treatments for cancer

· Ensure better national planning for availability of new drugs and technologies

· Find new ways to bring cancer drugs to market

2. Make it easier for people to navigate their cancer treatment options

· Enable patients to transfer between public and private facilities more easily

· Enable access to international medical care through private health insurance policies

· Offer fiscal facilities for patients who own a private health insurance policy

3. Change how and where cancer patients and survivors are treated

· Make out-of-hospital care a standard choice for patients when clinically appropriate

· Enable patients to manage their follow-up appointments and create support groups

For a full copy of the report, please go to www.BUPA.com/cancer

MediHelp International is the leading private health insurance broker in Central and Eastern Europe and has been present on the Romanian market since 1999. MediHelp International is the distribution manager of BUPA International in Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. In partnership with BUPA International, MediHelp successfully combines Medical Assistance with International Health Insurance for the benefit of their clients.

MediHelp International is acting as an insurance broker of Bupa International products in Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria. MediHelp International is registered with the Insurance Supervisory Commission under code 17808893 in Romania. Cover is provided by Bupa Insurance Ltd. and Bupa Insurance Services Ltd. Bupa Insurance Services Ltd is registered in England and Wales No. 03829851. Bupa Insurance Ltd. is registered in England and Wales No. 3956433.

For more information please contact:

Lidia Pitulea, Public Advisor

The Public Advisors, Tel: 0733 300 777, E-mail: lidia.pitulea@publicadvisors.ro

Cost of cancer diagnosis and treatment to rise by almost two thirds over the next 10 years

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