#Japan #Tokyo #Financial Planning #Cancer FP #Economic Support

Bridging Cancer Care and Economic Support

In an era where cancer impacts everyone, the landscape of cancer treatment has significantly transformed. No longer does a cancer diagnosis equate directly to a death sentence due to advances in medical treatment. However, the related economic and social burdens such as medical expenses, loss of income, and job opportunities continue to pose serious challenges. In this context, the need for specialized professionals with cross-disciplinary expertise in medical knowledge, systems understanding, insurance, finance, life planning, and employment assistance is growing increasingly urgent.

The Establishment and Purpose of the Certification

The Japan Cancer Financial Planners Association (JCFP) has recognized this pressing need and established a certification program named "Cancer Financial Planner (Cancer FP)." Among its offerings, the 2nd-level Cancer FP certification (ACFP: Advanced Cancer FP) builds on the foundational knowledge of the 3rd-level (BCFP) and aims to cultivate professionals with heightened practical capabilities. The goals of this certification include:

1. Support through Risk Management: In an age when cancer risks are widespread, these professionals will serve as “Cancer Risk Management Advisors,” focusing on early risk assessment and preparedness.
2. Comprehensive Problem Solving: ACFP holders will be equipped to systematically address and propose solutions for the complex issues encountered by cancer patients and their families related to medical care, systems navigation, insurance, employment, and life planning.
3. Interdisciplinary Coordination: The program anticipates a collaborative approach from life planning to advanced care planning (ACP) and grief care.

Target Audience for ACFP

The 2nd-level Cancer FP certification is designed for:

• - Professionals in finance and insurance seeking to enhance strategies addressing cancer-specific risks, benefiting their clients’ safeguarding activities.
• - Practitioners in the healthcare and welfare sectors wanting to directly support the economic needs and navigate systems for cancer patients and their families.
• - Those involved in interdisciplinary collaboration or second opinion support, including clinical psychologists and social wellness coordinators.
• - Financial advisors looking to strengthen their ability to review existing contracts with a cancer perspective, thus enhancing their clients’ cancer risk management capabilities.

Note: Holders of national qualifications in finance or healthcare can directly take the 2nd-level Cancer FP exam.

Exam Structure and Content Overview

The exam for the 2nd-level Cancer FP (ACFP) encompasses a range of topics beyond the foundational knowledge covered in the 3rd-level (BCFP). Key chapters include:
1. Introduction to Precision Medicine: Basic concepts of cancer genomic medicine.
2. Understanding Cancer Genomic Profiling Tests and Related Systems: Role of C-CAT in genomic tests.
3. Infrastructure for Cancer Genomic Medicine Delivery: Types of hospitals and team-based care systems.
4. Treatment Models Based on Genomic Medicine: Insights into targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
5. Access to Medications and Related Challenges: Addressing drug lag and availability issues.
6. Information Literacy and Evidence-Based Decision Support: Evaluating reliable cancer information.
7. Roles and Ethical Considerations of Cancer FPs: Understanding relevant laws and ethical guidelines.
8. Financial Planning for Cancer Patients: Strategies for life planning, estate matters, and insurance.

The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions (1 point each) and 10 multiple-select questions (2 points each), for a total of 90 questions out of 100 points, with a passing score set at 70% and an exam duration of 70 minutes. The registration fee is 38,500 yen (tax included).

Study and Preparation Tips

To succeed, candidates should regularly practice key concepts using question sets and conduct mock exams while managing their time effectively. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the topics, an integrated learning approach that emphasizes intersections among diverse fields is crucial. Since the exam is conducted online, candidates must ensure that they are well-versed in PC operations and online environments beforehand. Furthermore, candidates should approach the exam with the understanding that the focus is not on making medical judgments but rather on organizing information, utilizing systems effectively, and economic planning.

Benefits of Certification

Achieving certification allows professionals to effectively propose strategies that address financial aspects associated with cancer, enhancing the quality and persuasiveness of their consultations. Additionally, professionals will establish significant connections within multidisciplinary teams while specializing in cancer risk management. By focusing on "cancer risk" during the review of existing contracts, professionals can standardize their proposals related to claim handling and coverage adequacy, thus differentiating themselves in the market. Furthermore, they will be able to facilitate life planning for patients and their families from a cancer perspective, creating opportunities for collaborative expert engagements. Undoubtedly, the socio-economic significance of this certification helps earn trust as supporters aiming to alleviate the financial burdens associated with cancer in various community and workplace settings.

For any inquiries regarding the examination, please contact the Japan Cancer Financial Planners Association (JCFP), housed within i・Partners Co., Ltd.
Email: [email protected]