Cancer drives more long-term absences among younger workers, finds Unum UK
Cancer claims among employees under 40 went up by 36% between 2024 and 2025.
Research from Unum UK found cancer was affecting more people earlier in their working lives, with a rise in long-term absences linked to cancer.
National data from Cancer Research UK showed cancer diagnoses going up across the population, with the biggest jump among working-age adults.
Claims data from Unum showed cancer was a growing reason for long-term absence in the insured workforce.
Cancer claims among employees under 40 went up by 36% between 2024 and 2025.
Since 2022, cancer-related claims have risen by 20%.
The most common cancer-related claims for employees under 40 were breast (28%), haematological (23%) and brain (15%).
Paula Coffey, director of claims, rehabilitation and medical services at Unum UK, said: “National data shows cancer is increasingly affecting people during their working lives, and our own claims experience reflects how this is playing out in the workforce. This warrants attention.
“While outcomes continue to improve, recovery doesn’t always end when treatment ends.
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