The latest statistics have revealed that breast cancer continued to be Aegon’s single biggest cause of critical illness claims.

Aegon says 15% of CI claims in 2017 were for breast cancer and a quarter (26%) of Aegon’s CI cancer claims in 2017 were for breast cancer.

The firm has paid nearly £56m to just over 700 women diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 10 years.

Aegon revealed the figures “to help raise awareness” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is this month.

While cancer made up 60% of all CI claims Aegon received in 2017, breast cancer on its own accounted for 26% of these cancer claims – making it the biggest single cause for a customer to claim on their Aegon CI policy.

Simon Jacobs, head of underwriting and claims strategy at Aegon UK, said: “Breast cancer continues to be the biggest single cause of critical illness claims that we receive at Aegon.

“In the last 10 years, we’ve provided financial support to more than 700 women diagnosed with breast cancer, paying nearly £56m in critical illness claims to help them through their diagnosis and treatment.

“Early detection and better treatment means that survival rates after a diagnosis of breast cancer are improving.”