Many patients struggle to find the right specialists. With all the medical needs that arise from a cancer diagnosis, getting to the right provider can be an obstacle. Evernorth research shows 34% of surveyed patients needed additional help finding the right specialists.1 This is especially true for cancer patients.
Moreover, the demands of cancer care can take a toll on patients’ work performance, especially when they lack support. They may need significant time off work for treatment, be less productive due to side effects, suffer financial stress from medical costs, and endure emotional strain. They may need workplace accommodations — and they could even lose their job. Meanwhile, their employers face impacts to their operations and the bottom line.
Cancer care is also financially challenging – not only for patients, but their employers. About 83% of employers cite cancer as the costliest condition – the top driver of health care costs.2 It’s also one of the most complex to manage.
Bridging the gap in cancer care
Given the shared burdens, it makes sense for employers to understand how they can help employees navigate cancer care. Research shows patients are looking for a comprehensive cancer care benefit from their employers. In fact, 85% would feel more loyal to their employers if their benefits included access to early detection, dedicated support, and caregiver assistance.
Employers can help in these areas:
- Finding personalized care from the right provider. For those undergoing cancer treatment, personalized care can make a difference in experiences and outcomes. A patient may need hyper-specialized care – or the patient may have specific language or cultural needs. The right benefit can help meet these needs. It could, for example, finds and match providers and specialists tailored to meet employees’ needs. An employer that offers such a benefit will have an advantage.
- Offering emotional support. Employers can help connect patients with sources of emotional support, such as community support groups. A comprehensive benefit can provide guidance for employees transitioning to life after cancer treatment. This may include help returning to work, bereavement support, or even caregiver support.
- Controlling costs. Lastly, employers can play a role in helping manage cancer care costs, especially given the rise in new diagnoses, which surpassed 2 million in the United States in 2024. A single, comprehensive cancer benefit can provide a seamless, patient-centric experience and reduce employers’ overall health care expenditures allowing them to achieve their business goals and attract and retain top talent.
To sum it up
A cancer diagnosis is often shattering. Patients face struggles with their health and consequences in their workplace. But employers can step in by offering a solution that helps employees navigate their care. As a result, they can find the right providers and get the support they need to better manage costs.
1 Evernorth Research Institute, Health Care in Focus, 2024.
