Cancer poses a growing problem for employers

• And while there have been major improvements in cancer survival, more younger Americans are being diagnosed each year.

By the numbers: 72% of large employers surveyed about their benefits by the Business Group on Health said they see a higher prevalence of cancer among their workers and their families.

• A recent survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans also found 20% of employers cited catastrophic claims and 20% cited specialty drugs as key drivers of cost increases.
• Both could be attributed in part to a rising prevalence of cancer, a spokesperson told Axios.

What they're saying: Some of the trend can be attributed to delayed access to care to cancer screening and other preventative services during the pandemic.

• "It's also perpetuated by the alarming rates that we are seeing of cancer diagnoses in younger people," Brenna Shebel, vice president at the Business Group on Health.
• The demographic swing doesn't bode well for workers juggling career, family and caregiving responsibilities, who'll also face a higher lifetime risk of treatment-related side effects.