Of the almost two million new cancer cases diagnosed this year, around half will be among adults of working age. Early screening is key, and employers who provide and promote this give their workforce a much stronger chance of survival.
The American Cancer Society projects over 600,000 people will die from cancer this year, and 50% of survivors will lose their job or quit, according to the National Library of Medicine. A survey from Business Group on Health found that cancer is predicted to be this year’s top healthcare cost driver for employers, thanks to expensive, long-term treatment, increasing healthcare expenses and a rise in late-stage cancer diagnoses. The Northeast Business Group on Health reports that while cancer only makes up 1% of claims, it accounts for 12% of overall employer healthcare cost.
