Building a Workplace That Helps Employees Act Early on Cancer Risk

Kristen Gipper, BSN, RN, OCN, ACS LION^TM, Oncology Nurse Navigator, Transcarent

As we recognize Cancer Prevention Month, it's important to acknowledge that not all cancers can be prevented. However, the risks can be reduced, and cancer can be detected earlier, improving outcomes and reducing costs. In one large U.S. study, the cost of cancer care for people who had early detection was lower than for those diagnosed at later stages.¹

Employers dedicated to safeguarding their team and controlling long-term healthcare expenses must take early detection beyond internal marketing messages and make it easier for their people to act. Employers can embrace an approach to cancer care that serves all employees, including those who haven’t been diagnosed with cancer.

Move beyond campaigns to real support

We’ve all seen slogans about catching cancer early, and there’s no question that these messages are beneficial. They raise awareness and encourage people to think about their health. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Reducing risks and catching cancer early is easier when people know where to start and feel supported along the way.

Employers can play a vital role in long-term health outcomes by offering the right resources, benefits policies, and culture. They can also help reduce the costs and negative outcomes that come with a cancer diagnosis. This means prioritizing risk reduction and early detection by taking concrete steps to support employees in ways they can realistically act on and fit into their lives. It’s not just about telling them what they should do. It’s about giving them the tools, education, and resources they need to act and take charge of their health.

Four levers employers can control

Employers can pair real support with benefits, policies, and culture that value prevention, helping employees better manage their cancer risk and understand how to begin. While I focus on helping employees take the right steps, employers can move in the right direction by taking a few steps of their own.

• Review benefits design. Ensure employees have access to paid time off for screenings and to comprehensive cancer care resources - such as risk assessments, nutrition support, and smoking cessation programs.

• Integrate cancer screening into core touchpoints. Highlight screening during open enrollment, onboarding, and wellness campaigns to maximize awareness and engagement.

• Offer educational webinars and clear calls to action. Encourage employees to review their personal risk and ensure they are current with age and risk-appropriate screenings by utilizing reporting to assess screening rates, engagement with preventive benefits, and care gaps across the population.

• Take a comprehensive approach to cancer care. Deploy a personalized support system like Transcarent Cancer Care. Our end-to-end, holistic solution supports Members throughout the cancer journey, from screening and early detection through treatment, survivorship, and caregiving.

Empower lasting change for employee health

When employers move beyond one-time campaigns to design benefits and build a culture that prioritized prevention, they do more than check a box. They help change lives. By making it easier for people to understand their risk, get to the right screenings, and access trusted support, organizations can help employees catch cancer earlier. With the right partner, including solutions like Transcarent Cancer Care, employers can lead by example and create a workplace where taking action on cancer risks isn’t just possible, it’s also supported.

Sources

1. Productivity Loss and Indirect Costs for Patients Newly Diagnosed with Early- versus Late-Stage Cancer in the USA: A Large-Scale Observational Research Study.