The latest information citing the 10-year probability of a breast cancer diagnosis was shared today.

"This year some 270,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer," says Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness insurance (AACII).The organization director shared information with leading insurance professionals who target women between the ages of 30 and 60.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer according to the American Cancer Society.  "Many reports will cite a median age but that misleads many women into thinking their risk is well into the future," Slome shared with the group.

According to the most recent data researched by the organization that advocates for cancer and critical illness planning, a 40-year-old woman has a 1-in-65 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer over her next 10 years. "A woman who is 50 now has a 1 in 28 chance of being diagnosed between now and when she turns 60. The likelihood grows from there," Slome adds.

Women face a huge risk of breast cancer and the consequences extend well beyond their health, Slome contends.  "A breast cancer diagnosis is going to be rapidly followed by treatment and that will be costly," the critical illness insurance association director points out. "Even with health insurance the typical woman will face having to pay deductibles and co-insurance payments. That also assumes all costs and medications prescribed will be covered by insurance." In addition, many women will take time off from work to undergo treatments and recovery. "The rent or mortgage and your cell phone bill don't get postponed because you were diagnosed. That's why pre-planning is so vitally important for women, especially those who are living on their own."

The critical illness insurance expert recommends women start planning in their 40s. "Today, many insurance companies offer a cancer-only policy and that's going to be more affordable than a comprehensive cii policy," Slome explains. A woman age 45 may pay about $82-to-$90 a year for a cancer insurance policy providing a $10,000 cash benefit. "Insurers have the choice of charging non-smokers the same as smokers, even though their risk is higher," Slome admits. The Association's Cost Calculator shows a 45-year-old woman who uses tobacco products would pay $108 for a $10,000 benefit.

For more information, visit the Critical Illness Insurance Association's website at www.aacii.org.