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May 29, 2013 at 10:24 AM
Cancer is the number one health concern among middle-income Americans, according to Washington National Institute for Wellness Solutions.
The study, “Middle-Income America’s Perspectives on Critical Illness and Financial Security,” which surveyed 1,001 Americans ages 30 to 66 with an annual household income of between $35,000 and $99,999, finds that 79 percent are somewhat concerned or very concerned about a cancer diagnosis, followed by heart disease (74 percent), stroke (70 percent) and Alzheimer’s disease (60 percent).
The cancer types that elicit the most concern correlate heavily with gender. Prostate, colon and lung cancer are the largest concerns for men; for women, breast cancer is the predominant concern.
Those concerned about cancer and heart disease feel most vulnerable to healthcare costs and the life-threatening nature of these illnesses. People most concerned about stroke and Alzheimer’s/dementia, by contrast, feel vulnerable on quality-of-life issues and being able to maintain an independent life after a diagnosis and treatment.
The study also finds that people tend to be more concerned about a loved one being diagnosed than themselves. Nearly half (47 percent) say they would be more concerned if a parent or child were diagnosed with cancer than themselves (38 percent).
