Survey Reveals Critical Insights into Needs of People with Cancer and Caregivers with Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Transcarent, the One Place for Health and Care, released the results of a comprehensive consumer survey, “Understanding the Employee Experience with Cancer,” involving 1,314 individuals diagnosed with cancer and those that have acted as caregivers for people with a cancer diagnosis. The survey provides critical learnings on the challenges they face across the cancer care continuum—from screening to survivorship and workplace support. The findings highlight significant gaps in access to timely screening, diagnosis clarity, treatment initiation, and workplace accommodations for those navigating a cancer journey. The survey results are a call to action for employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to improve comprehensive support for people with cancer and caregivers alike.

85% of people with cancer and 87% of caregivers stated they would feel more loyal to employers offering benefits such as easy access to early detection, second opinions, virtual and in-home urgent care, and workplace support programs tailored for cancer.

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In 2024, over 2 million new cancer cases are projected in the U.S. – nearly everyone has or will be impacted in their lifetime as a patient, survivor, or caregiver. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) found the national patient economic burden associated with cancer was $21 billion in 2019 and was comprised of patient out-of-pocket costs totaling $16 billion and patient and caregiver time costs approaching $5 billion. With cancer impacting millions of working Americans and their loved ones, the data emphasizes the critical importance of an employer’s role in providing compassionate and effective support that makes a meaningful difference in their employees’ lives.

“Employers play a crucial role in the lives of individuals impacted by cancer—not only those diagnosed but also the caregivers who support them. Cancer places unique emotional, physical, and financial strains on employees and their families, and businesses have an opportunity to make a difference. By fostering a supportive workplace culture and offering resources that meet the needs of cancer patients and caregivers, employers can help their team members maintain stability and resilience during one of the most challenging times in their lives,” said Dr. Karen Knudsen, Executive Strategic Advisor, American Cancer Society, former CEO, American Cancer Society (ACS) and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).

Key Findings

Screening and Early Detection

• A notable 21% of survey respondents reported not being up-to-date on their cancer screenings, underscoring a critical need for improved education and support for early detection. Though screening and early detection are a cornerstone of effective cancer treatment, barriers to accessing timely screenings persist, especially among younger age groups and healthcare workers.

Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges

• Diagnosis Clarity: 52% of people with cancer and 49% of caregivers’ loved ones reported struggling to obtain a clear cancer diagnosis. Many respondents noted that the journey to diagnosis often involved multiple consultations and delays.
• Seeking Second Opinions: 64% of people with cancer and 59% of caregivers pursued a second opinion on either diagnosis or treatment plans, with younger patients and healthcare workers more likely to seek additional insights. This trend indicates a critical demand for accessible expert consultations within employer-provided insurance benefits.
• Delayed Treatment Initiation: 45% of people with cancer indicated that time to treatment was more than a month. Delays in treatment initiation can adversely impact outcomes and add stress during an already difficult time.

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Urgent Care and Financial Burden

• High Reliance on Emergency Services: 79% of people with cancer reported at least one urgent care visit, while 74% visited the emergency room at least once, indicating the acute health crises that frequently arise during cancer treatment.
• Financial Toxicity: 44% of people with cancer accumulated at least $10,000 in debt related to their cancer care, and 71% reported at least $5,000 in expenses. These costs contribute to the financial strain on families and emphasize the need for more robust financial support options in employer-sponsored insurance plans.

Cancer in the Workplace

• Openness in the Workplace: 68% of respondents felt comfortable sharing their cancer diagnosis with colleagues, indicating some level of workplace acceptance and support. However, 74% of caregivers and 66% of people with cancer believe their work experience would have improved if managers and supervisors received specialized training in supporting employees with cancer.
• Loyalty Tied to Supportive Benefits: An overwhelming 85% of people with cancer and 87% of caregivers stated they would feel more loyal to employers offering benefits such as easy access to early detection, second opinions, virtual and in-home urgent care, and workplace support programs tailored to cancer patients.
• Emotional and Social Impact: 65% of people with cancer feared burdening their families and friends, while 60% of patients and 67% of caregivers reported feeling lost, confused, or unsupported during their cancer journey. These findings underscore the emotional toll of cancer and the need for support systems both at home and at work.

“These findings highlight the urgent need for more comprehensive support systems for people with cancer and their caregivers, from screening and early detection through survivorship,” said Dr. Randy Hawkins, Chief Medical Officer at Transcarent. “By understanding these challenges, we can better advocate for and implement solutions that improve each person’s individual cancer care experience.”

The research shines a light on the need for enhanced employer-based health benefits and workplace policies that directly address the unique challenges faced by people with cancer and caregivers. By offering benefits that include accessible guidance for early detection, second opinions, virtual care, Oncology Nurse Navigators, and cancer-sensitive workplace support, employers can help to ease the burden on employees navigating the complexities of cancer treatment.

The online survey administered by SurveyMonkey, queried 1,314 total respondents (250 people diagnosed with cancer; 1,247 caregivers of patients with cancer, 183 of which identified as both having a cancer diagnosis and acting as a caregiver for patients with cancer) that live in U.S. and were commercially insured via their employer or a family member’s employer (55% male, 42% female, 3% other).

Transcarent Cancer Care addresses cancer at every stage, from early detection and screening through survivorship, along with support for caregivers. With a combination of Oncology Nurse Navigators, personalized information, clinical care, care coordination and support, Transcarent Members get the right care at the right time. Transcarent’s American Cancer Society LION^TM credentialed Oncology Nurse Navigators, with decades of cancer care experience, guide people through their entire journey with cancer. This is especially important during transitional stages like diagnosis, in which the next steps and treatment plans are decided. This comprehensive and longitudinal approach drives three main outcomes: enhanced quality of life, improved care, and increased affordability.

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Source: businesswire 

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