Download the PDF Version Here!
The Power of Prevention Starts with Screening
Cancer is both frightening and costly—and it doesn’t have a single cause. Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors all play a role in its development. The good news? Many aspects of cancer prevention are within your control.
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 5 new cancer cases are linked to lifestyle choices such as poor diet, smoking, physical inactivity, and excess weight. Taking steps toward healthier habits can make a real difference.
Early detection is critical. It not only improves survival rates but also helps reduce the financial burden of treatment. And that burden is significant – cancer is now the #1 driver of employer healthcare costs. The total national cost of cancer care in the U.S. is projected at $220–$230 billion in 2024. Patients pay an additional $21 billion annually out-of-pocket for medical bills and related expenses like travel and lost work time.
For our MB book of business in 2024, cancer claims totaled $94 million—up 9% from the prior year. The average cost per claimant was $70,344 over 12 months, and the number of members with cancer claims increased by 7%.
Let’s test your knowledge – Do you know how many Cancer screenings exist? (answers at the end)
- 2
- 6
- 12
- 8
Can you name them?
Early Detection Saves Lives, Reduces Costs, and Improves Quality of Life.
Regular screenings for breast, cervical, skin, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer are proven to lower mortality rates. Most tests take less than an hour, and catching cancer early dramatically improves quality of life, reduces treatment costs, and increases survival rates. Early detection also helps stop cancer before it spreads.
- Early-stage cancer typically involves diagnostic tests and minor surgery—keeping costs low and survival rates high (often 90% or more).
- Advanced-stage cancer requires aggressive, prolonged treatment such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hospital stays—driving costs up and survival rates down.
- Late-stage cancer often means multiple chemo cycles, advanced drugs, extended hospital care, and palliative support—pushing costs into six figures. Survival rates for Stage 4 cancers are generally 30% or less.
Lifestyle Choices Matter
You can take steps to reduce your cancer risk. About 30% of cancer deaths are linked to smoking, and another 30% to poor diet, inactivity, and obesity. Preventive measures—like quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing sunscreen, and staying current on screenings and vaccines—can dramatically lower your risk.
What Can Employers Do?
Investing in preventive care isn’t just good for employees—it’s smart business. Annual physicals, routine blood work, and age-appropriate screenings catch disease early, when treatment is simpler, less costly, and far more effective.
Consider the alternative: late-stage illnesses drive claims into six figures, increase absenteeism, and reduce productivity. Early detection keeps costs down and employees healthy—protecting both your workforce and your bottom line.
A proven strategy? Implement a wellness program that incentivizes compliance. Adjusting premiums for employees and spouses based on participation encourages preventive care and screenings, reducing long-term medical costs and improving overall health outcomes.
Every dollar invested in prevention can save multiples in future claims. Acting now positions your organization as a leader in cost control, employee well-being, and long-term sustainability.
This is part 1 of a series on specific Cancers that have preventive screenings. Stay tuned to find out more about each of the 6 cancers.
Answers: 6 preventive cancer screenings exist today. They are breast, colon, skin, cervical, lung, and prostate.
To View All Parts Click Here!
Written by: Kelly McCall, Manager Health Intelligence Analytics