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An ever-improving scientific understanding of breast cancer and medical advancements have led to more success in tackling this disease. Understanding how breast cancer works can help women prepare effectively in case of a diagnosis and make smart long-term financial decisions, such as applying for a cancer insurance policy. Let’s dive deeper into how breast cancer works, how it starts and spreads, and some common types.
Table of Contents
Breast cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the breast tissue begin to grow uncontrollably, often starting in the milk-producing glands or the ducts that carry milk.1 While most breast cancer patients are women, men can also develop the disease. Cancerous cells in one or both breasts may form tumors or lumps, which often prompt individuals to seek medical attention and receive a diagnosis. It's important to note, however, that many breast lumps are benign and not cancerous. Regardless, any lumps or abnormalities should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.2
Breast cancer can start when abnormal cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably to form tumors. Benign tumors are not cancerous by themselves but may be correlated with an increased risk of breast cancer later on.2 Malignant tumors are cancerous and may grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer can spread to lymph nodes nearby, though at this stage, the cancer is still a local disease. When cancer cells enter the blood or lymph system and travel to other parts of the body, cancer can spread to other areas, including the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. This happens in the advanced stages of the disease and is called metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic cancer is most commonly diagnosed after a patient has already received treatment for an earlier stage (local) form of breast cancer.3
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedThere are many different types of breast cancers, and they may be described or classified in different ways based on how they look under a microscope and where they originate. Here are several types in more detail:
Treatment for breast cancer depends on the type of breast cancer and what stage it's in. Many women will undergo some sort of surgery to remove the tumor. You may already know that a mastectomy is the removal of an entire breast, but early-stage cancers may also be treated using breast-conserving surgery, which only removes a part of the breast.
Alongside surgery, doctors may recommend chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy. Treatment strategies may vary based on the patient's menopause status and overall health.5
While primary health insurance may help many families navigate a cancer diagnosis, supplemental cancer insurance can help bridge gaps in coverage and provide additional benefits that many patients may need:
Unlike health insurance payments, which go directly to the hospital or medical center, cancer insurance payouts go to you, the policyholder, unless otherwise assigned. You can then use the funds to help cover any expenses you need. This could mean using them to help pay for medication and treatments or even rent, groceries, and bills.
The cost of cancer insurance is determined by many factors, including your age, location, and desired benefits. However, Aflac plans are an affordable option for many patients with different needs. Chat with an Aflac agent to get a quote.
Managing cancer can be easier with the right financial resources. Even with primary health insurance, you may still need financial help covering costs, depending on the type of cancer and the treatments recommended. Cancer insurance can help ease the financial burden you may face and provide added peace of mind.
With a strong support system and continuous medical advances, many cancer patients may recover and live exceptional lives. While it may be important for patients to find support groups and networks, they can also better rely on a good cancer insurance policy for additional financial support. Aflac offers affordable supplemental cancer insurance to suit a wide array of needs and budgets. Consider chatting with an agent about your specific needs and getting a quote today.
Get Started
Getting cancer treatment without insurance is expensive. Aflac discusses the costs of cancer treatments, the dangers of cancer without insurance, and what cancer insurance helps cover.
Supplemental health insurance covers what your normal health insurance plan may not. Learn more about the types of supplemental health insurance plans available to you.
Getting cancer treatment without insurance is expensive. Aflac discusses the costs of cancer treatments, the dangers of cancer without insurance, and what cancer insurance helps cover.
Supplemental health insurance covers what your normal health insurance plan may not. Learn more about the types of supplemental health insurance plans available to you.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - What is Breast Cancer? Updated February 22, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/about/. Accessed September 6, 2024.
2 American Cancer Society - What Is Breast Cancer? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/what-is-breast-cancer.html. September 6, 2024.
3 Cancer.net - Breast Cancer: Introduction. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/introduction. Accessed September 6, 2024.
4 American Cancer Society - Invasive Breast Cancer (IDC/ILC). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/types-of-breast-cancer/invasive-breast-cancer.html. Accessed September 6, 2024.
5 American Cancer Society – Treating Breast Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/types-of-breast-cancer.html. Accessed April 16, 2025.
Coverage underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Cancer/Specified-Disease: 72200: In Delaware, Policy A72200. In Idaho, Policy A72200ID. In Oklahoma, Policy A72200OK. In Virginia, Policy A72200VA. 75000: In Virginia, policies A75100VA–A75300VA. B7000: In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK, B70200OK, B70300OK, B7010EPOK, B7020EPOK.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.
Cancer/Specified-Disease: In Delaware, Policy T70000. In Idaho, Policy T70000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T70000OK. In Virginia, policies T70000VA & T70000GVA. Not available in NY.
Cancer insurance is also known as specified disease insurance in some states. This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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