Marvin OnumonuCancer was the main cause of claims across all three group risk benefits in 2024, according to research from GRiD.
Cancer made up 68% of group critical illness claims, 39% of group life assurance claims and 27% of group income protection claims.
Additional research from Cancer Research UK found that more people survived cancer than ever before in 2024.
This meant more employers had staff who finished treatment and were cancer-free, as well as those living with ongoing treatment or recurrent disease.
These included people aiming to return to work, those back at work on a flexible basis, some who returned full-time and others who stayed in work throughout their cancer treatment.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, said: “Group risk benefits provide an abundance of cancer support for employees which can include access to oncologists, healthcare professionals such as psychologists and physiotherapists, and other specialist support such as vocational rehabilitation.
“Ongoing support is crucial – as although the cancer itself may be in the past – fatigue, anxiety, and the side-effects of treatment may still be very much in the present.
“Group risk benefits are also invaluable in supporting employers as they, in turn, support employees at different stages in their cancer recovery.”
Moxham added: “This comprises a wide variety of resources, from reading materials to workplace training and guidance, to help that enables line managers and HR professionals to feel able and confident to support staff.
“As we honour the individuals who have survived cancer, it’s important to ensure that employers have the knowledge and the means to support those who can, want and need to return to the workplace.”
