Legal & General has added Perci Health’s cancer support service to its Spark platform for group risk customers launched this summer.
Alongside the move Perci Health published research showing young adults were highly unaware of many cancer risk factors but wanted more support from employers.
The support service through L&G offers three elements – digital risk assessments, nurse support and cancer-related resources.
It can be accessed by members and their immediate families including partners and adult children living at the same address.
The risk assessment considers lifestyle, family history and health behaviours to indicate the member’s personal risk of cancer.
Based on results, patients will receive personalised next steps, including digital education, lifestyle guidance, and screening recommendations. If necessary, they will also be guided toward free NHS screening services and offered support to overcome common barriers.
Cancer support nurse appointments are available by phone or video call Monday to Friday 9am to 5pmfor those worried about symptoms, facing a diagnosis, in treatment or recovery, or caring for someone who is. A nurse messaging service is available 24/7.
Resources include evidence-based videos, webinars and articles focused on prevention, early detection, treatment preparation, symptom management, mental health and post-treatment recovery. There are also resources for carers.
Young people lack understanding
Perci Health’s Generation Risk report found fewer than one in four young people linked alcohol, poor diet, or inactivity to cancer risk.
Awareness was lowest among younger men, with just 31% of 16 to 24-year-olds recognising smoking as a cancer risk factor.
The provider added that “shockingly, 15% of young adults believe there are no cancer risk factors at all”.
The Censuswide survey of 2,000 people also highlighted that women were missing opportunities for prevention, with 35% of those aged 25 to 44 skipping cervical screening, often due to confusion over eligibility.
At the same time, younger employees are calling for support in the workplace.
Two-thirds of employees aged 25 to 44 wanted cancer education integrated into workplace wellbeing programmes and more than half believe employers have a responsibility to provide it.
Furthermore, six in 10 would be more likely to engage with prevention initiatives if delivered at work.
“The results are both surprising and alarming,” said Perci Health co-founder and CEO Kelly McCabe (pictured).
“Cancer risk is rising among younger people, yet too few people understand how their everyday choices affect their risk.
“On top of that, misinformation about cancer is everywhere, leaving many confused or anxious about what’s true.
“Combating misinformation and improving health literacy, through access to clinical experts and engaging, evidence-based content, must be the foundation of every early detection and cancer support strategy.
“Employers, brokers, and insurers have an important role to play here. By helping to close awareness gaps now, we can protect both people and productivity,” she added.