There has been a significant rise in the number of cancer cases worldwide. While increasing age is a common risk factor for most cancers, employers today are faced with a new challenge- the rise in the number of cancer cases in people younger than 50. Infact, the most significant increase in cancer cases has been seen in people between 30 and 39. Why is that worrying, you may wonder! Well, a rise in cancer cases among those younger than 50 means a majority of the workforce of an organisation.

Well, it does not come as a surprise that there has been a rise in employers focussing on cancer risk assessment and screening as part of corporate wellness programmes. Several risk factors contribute to this rising number of cases, many of which are modifiable. Some of these include an unhealthy lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, and pre-existing health conditions like diabetes. Infact

Challenges Faced by Employers

As people work longer in organisations in most countries across the world, employers have to deal with this ageing population who is prone to several health conditions, including cancer. At the same time, some cancers occur only among younger individuals, further making a significant chunk of the workforce susceptible.

Did you know that most individuals affected by cancer actually delay their testing for the cancer, which in turn affects their treatment plan and overall cancer care journey?

How Employers Can Minimise the Risk of Cancer Among Their Workforce?

Employers can play an important role in minimising cancer risk among their workforce.

• Create and spread awareness about cancer

Employers can educate employees about the indications, symptoms and risk factors for various common cancers and motivate them to seek prompt medical attention if they experience any abnormal signs and symptoms.

• Tailored Cancer Risk Evaluation

It’s time to move beyond generalised population-based screening and adopt personalised risk assessments. This enables targeted screening for individuals deemed "higher risk." It facilitates educating individuals on methods to mitigate their personal risk factors. Employers can segregate their workforce based on their risk for various cancers. This can be done using questionnaires and regular checkups.

How Can Employers Help Those with Symptoms or a Diagnosis?

Not just pre-diagnosis, but employers have a vital role to play even after an employee has been diagnosed with cancer or is experiencing symptoms that may be cancer.

• Utilise cancer diagnostic pathways via group medical insurance

Where employees have symptoms, employers and organisations can work with insurance partners to help get them into streamlined diagnostic pathways as quickly as possible.

• Utilise cancer care pathways and return to work support as part of Group Income Protection (GIP)

Once diagnosed, employers can work with group income partners to help employees access well-being support throughout their treatment and beyond, as well as rehabilitation and return to work support, as appropriate.

Key Takeaway!

By prioritising cancer awareness initiatives and implementing personalised risk assessments, employers can play a pivotal role in reducing cancer risk within their workforce. Empowering employees with knowledge about cancer symptoms and risk factors, coupled with tailored screening and awareness programs, fosters a proactive approach to health management. Through these efforts, employers demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and contribute significantly to the prevention and early detection of cancer, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient workforce.

If you are an employer looking to build a healthy workforce, contact Onco-Connect for your cancer screening needs.