Women in their 30s and 40s account for the overwhelming majority of self-referrals for suspected cancer symptoms, according to data from Healix Health.
The independent corporate healthcare provider analysed use of its self-referral cancer pathway, which allows members to access specialist assessment for suspected breast, bowel, skin, testicular and prostate cancer symptoms without first seeing a GP.
Its Q2 2026 claims data shows suspected breast cancer symptoms accounted for 70% of self-referrals, with skin cancer concerns the second most common reason at 17%.
Largest cohort
But the data also indicates almost three quarters (72%) of pathway users were aged 30 to 49, with women aged 40 to 49 the largest single cohort. Women made up 82% of pathway users, meaning men accounted for fewer than one in five self-referrals, and nearly nine in 10 (88%) breast-related referrals came from women under 50.
Fewer than one in 10 cases involving raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels came through a self-referral cancer pathway, with the vast majority originating through traditional GP referral routes.
Outdated perception
Keira Wallis, head of clinical operations at Healix Health, said: “Cancer is still often thought of as something that mainly affects people later in life, but that perception is becoming outdated.
“More people are facing cancer concerns while they are still building their careers, raising families and managing busy working lives, and employers need to recognise that this is becoming a much bigger workplace issue.
“Our data shows that women in their 30s and 40s are actively seeking support, while men account for fewer than one in five people using these services.”
Communicating benefits
Wallis maintained that this gap should prompt employers to consider not only what support they offer, but how it is communicated and whether different groups feel confident using it.
“Cancer benefits, workplace policies and manager training need to reflect the reality that younger employees may need support, while making sure men are not being overlooked,” she concluded.
