Press Release 3 February 2026.
As World Cancer Day is marked on 4 February 2026, new research conducted in January 2026 for GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector, reveals that over half (56%) of employers report concerns about serious ill-health, including cancer, affecting their workforce.1
These anxieties are mirrored at staff level, with as many as a quarter (25%) of over 60s – and 15% of the working population of all ages – being concerned about serious ill-health, including conditions such as cancer2.
Significant portion of the workforce affected
Cancer affects a significant proportion of the working population, either directly or indirectly, such as through caring responsibilities, yet its true impact on the workplace is often hidden.
While some employees will have no choice but to inform their employer due to treatment, absence, or the need for adjustments, others may choose to keep a diagnosis private. As a result, many employers are unlikely to have a full picture of how cancer is affecting their workforce, or how many people are impacted, making it vital to provide and communicate support.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, said: “Cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges facing today’s workforce, yet for many employers its true impact is still only partially visible. This research highlights the scale of concern and the opportunity for employers to do more to ensure every individual feels supported and able to access the help they need.”
Meaningful cancer support
There are many ways employers can provide meaningful support, ranging from prevention and education through to access to treatment, second medical opinions, specialist oncologists, lifestyle support including fitness and nutrition, and financial support, from the point of diagnosis through to ongoing assistance.
It is essential that cancer support is comprehensive, visible, and easy to access, especially for those who may be managing their cancer journey quietly, under the radar of their employer.
Employers could better utilise cancer support
Employer-funded group risk benefits (group life assurance, group critical illness and group income protection) provide physical, mental, financial and practical support for people experiencing cancer, and it is largely included as standard at no additional cost.
While cancer accounts for the highest proportion of claims across all three benefits3, GRiD believes that the support could be even better utilised by staff and employers as they navigate a cancer diagnosis if they were aware of all the support available to them. Employers and advisers need to work together to ensure a good understanding, both at board level and throughout the business.
Katharine Moxham concluded: “Cancer touches each person in their own way. Some need support at the very start, some partway through, some after treatment ends, and some from the first moment to the last. Support should never be something people stumble across by chance or discover halfway along. It should be visible, clear, and present from the beginning, ready for anyone who chooses to lean on it.”
- Employer research was undertaken by Opinium from 5-19 January 2026 amongst 500 HR Decision makers
- Employee research was undertaken by Opinium from 13-16 January 2026 amongst 1,210 UK employees aged 18+.
- GRiD Claims Survey 2025 detailing claims paid during 2024 (latest available)
For further information please contact:
Ali Cort
SMUK Marketing and PR
Mob: 07887 484247
acort@smuk.org.uk
Katharine Moxham
Spokesperson for GRiD
Mob: 07887 512508
Katharine.moxham@grouprisk.org.uk
Notes for editors
About GRiD
Group Risk Development (GRiD) is the industry body for the group risk sector, promoting the value to UK businesses of providing financial protection for their staff, enhancing their well-being and improving employee engagement. Our membership includes insurers, reinsurers, intermediaries and those operating in (or with other interests in) the UK group risk market. Together this forms a collective wealth of experience built over many years. Under the chairmanship of Colin Fitzgerald (Distribution Director – Group Protection, L&G Retail) GRiD aims to promote group risk through a collective voice to Government, policymakers, stakeholders and employers.
GRiD works with government departments and regulators involved in legislation and regulation affecting group risk benefits, and with other organisations involved in the benefits and financial protection arenas. GRiD also seeks to enhance the industry’s standing by encouraging best practice and by participating in industry-wide initiatives such as the professional qualification in group risk developed jointly with the Chartered Insurance Institute.
GRiD’s media activity aims to generate a wider awareness and understanding of group risk products and their benefits for employers and employees.
GRiD’s dedicated spokesperson, Katharine Moxham, provides expert media comment on a full range of group risk issues.