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Cancer has long been a central concern for the health and protection industry.
Today, the urgency to rethink how we support people affected by cancer is growing. With more people living with and beyond cancer, it is increasingly being recognised as a long-term condition.
This shift carries significant implications for insurers, healthcare providers and employers, and calls for a coordinated, forward-thinking response.
With more than 16 years in cancer care – as an NHS clinician, private hospital operator, and now CEO of Perci Health – I’ve seen firsthand the critical gaps in care.
These go beyond clinical issues; they’re rooted in access, continuity, and communication, presenting a real opportunity for the protection industry to drive change.
Download Health & Protection’s Cancer care in the workplace roundtable supplement, in association with Perci Health, by following this link.
A shifting reality
By 2040, more than five million people in the UK will be living with and beyond cancer. Globally, the figure will exceed 100 million.
Earlier diagnosis and improved treatments mean more people survive. But support systems have not kept pace.
Preventative care is underdeveloped, despite 40% of cancers being preventable. Screening uptake is low, with over a third of NHS appointments missed. Late diagnosis leads to poorer outcomes and higher costs.
After treatment, many feel unsupported. Care often falls to charities or general wellbeing services, which are rarely equipped to address the complex needs of people with cancer.
Cancer now affects more younger people. Diagnoses in under-50s have risen by 80% over three decades. More than 70% of people living with cancer have another chronic condition. Mental health issues are widespread, particularly among younger adults.
The financial strain
The rising complexity of cancer means generalist services are no longer sufficient. Cancer now accounts for up to 30% of private medical insurance claims, compared with under 1% two decades ago.
Some employers are scaling back cancer cover, which is concerning.
Macmillan reports that 83% of people affected by cancer experience financial hardship, with losses of up to £570 per month.
Income protection and critical illness cover are essential, not just for financial support but as entry points to broader care.
What better support looks like
A modern approach must include early risk identification, prevention, timely diagnosis and specialist cancer recovery. It starts with understanding personal risk, including lifestyle and family history.
This can lead to targeted interventions such as smoking cessation or dietary advice.
Screening matters. Many people do not know which screenings apply to them or how often they should attend. Personalised reminders and fewer access barriers can improve early detection.
Once diagnosed, rapid access to treatment is critical. Virtual GP services, diagnostics and specialist navigation reduce delays and help people understand their options.
Navigation also supports mental health, finances and family responsibilities.
After treatment, recovery is key.
At Perci Health, return to work programmes have helped 86% of participants return to work within six months. This supports both individuals and employers.
Inclusive, joined-up support
We must also consider carers. This often affects women and brings both emotional and financial strain.
Carer support is a simple way to improve inclusivity and impact. Insurance products need to work together. Medical insurance, income protection, critical illness policies and employee assistance programmes all play a role.
But integration is essential. Consider how people move between NHS and private services and whether all employees are covered.
Two areas are particularly worth investing in: prevention and specialist vocational rehabilitation. Both reduce cost and improve outcomes, yet remain underused. People must also be aware of available services, understand them and know how to access them.
Technology can streamline access. Digital triage tools and personalisation engines connect people with the right support at the right time.
Younger generations, in particular, value digital first solutions.
A collective effort
Brokers and advisers are in a powerful position.
Ask if the cancer strategy is proactive, inclusive and outcome driven. Is it easy to access? Is it built around the full experience, not just the clinical stage?
Cancer care is not just a medical issue. It is human, financial and systemic.
By embracing collaboration, innovation and empathy, our industry can offer meaningful support to those navigating cancer.
We have a responsibility to act and a real opportunity to lead.
Download Health & Protection’s Cancer care in the workplace roundtable supplement, in association with Perci Health, by following this link.