Cancer Care in the Workplace: A Growing Challenge for International Employers and How to Respond
Supporting employees diagnosed with cancer is one of the most complex and sensitive responsibilities an employer can face. With cancer cases on the rise, and survivorship improving thanks to early detection and treatment advances, employers are increasingly being called upon to provide not just compassion – but structure, flexibility, and long-term support.
A recent roundtable hosted by online publication Health & Protection explored how HR leaders and insurers are navigating this evolving challenge. Their insights, alongside our own experience working with globally mobile organizations, reveal just how important it is to treat cancer care not only as a medical issue but as a strategic workplace priority.
Cancer Isn’t Always a Short-Term Event
Employers often think about cancer in terms of treatment and recovery – but for many employees, it’s a longer journey. Even when initial treatment ends, cancer can have ongoing physical, mental, and financial effects. Fatigue, cognitive issues, and emotional distress can linger long after the last hospital visit.
This is where employers have a critical role to play. By understanding that cancer care isn’t just acute – it can be chronic or recurrent – companies can better design policies that allow employees to return to work on their own terms, with dignity and support.
Flexibility Is Key, But So Is Structure
The roundtable highlighted a major shift: flexibility is no longer just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. Whether that’s flexible hours, remote work options, phased returns, or extended leave, employees dealing with cancer need individualized pathways.
But flexibility without structure can leave employees feeling unsupported or unsure. That’s why formal return-to-work planning, regular HR check-ins, and clear policy guidelines are essential. Managers also need training on how to navigate these conversations with empathy and confidence.
Don’t Overlook Long-Term Disability (LTD) Coverage
One often-overlooked element of cancer support in the workplace is long-term disability (LTD) insurance. While many think of LTD as something reserved for permanent or visible disabilities, it plays a vital role in supporting employees undergoing cancer treatment – especially those unable to return to work for many months or even years.
If an employee is facing aggressive treatment, repeated hospitalizations, or long recovery periods, LTD coverage can provide income replacement and reduce financial stress during one of the most difficult times in their life.
Yet in our experience, many employers – including HR teams – are unclear on what LTD covers. Educating staff about their entitlements, including how LTD applies to cancer and other “invisible” health conditions, is crucial. An experienced insurance broker can help with this communication and ensure the plan design meets evolving needs.
Mental Health and Cancer: An Overlapping Crisis
The psychological toll of a cancer diagnosis is profound – and employers must be proactive in integrating mental health support into the care pathway. As the roundtable participants noted, even employees who recover physically may suffer from post-treatment anxiety, fear of recurrence, and isolation.
Mental health coverage, access to counseling, and peer support can make a significant difference. Some organizations are even introducing dedicated cancer navigators or employee resource groups to provide tailored guidance and emotional support.
Why Employers Must Act Now
Cancer incidence is growing globally, and employers will see more employees – and their family members – impacted by cancer in the coming years. Ignoring this issue is no longer an option.
Employers must:
- Review their health insurance and LTD coverage to ensure cancer-related needs are addressed
- Provide flexible, but well-structured, return-to-work policies
- Train managers to handle cancer-related absences and conversations appropriately
- Integrate mental health support into their response plans
- Work with a broker who understands the nuances of cancer care and can help align benefits accordingly
At One World Cover, we believe cancer care is a critical test of an employer’s commitment to employee wellbeing. Our job is to help clients ensure their benefits are designed not just for the routine – but for the unexpected. That includes cancer.
If you’re unsure whether your current insurance plan and disability coverage are prepared to support an employee through cancer, we’re here to help.
To learn more please get in touch: [email protected] or click here to contact us.
