When employers act early, employees can face better cancer journeys

Originally published in The Tennessean, May 2026

Like many people, I’ve watched family members face cancer diagnoses that changed their lives. Each of their experiences was different, but cancer affected how they worked, supported their families, and moved through everyday life. 

As an HR leader, that raises important questions: how do we support people through one of the hardest moments in their lives? How do we do that while still meeting business needs? Working at a health insurer further expanded my perspective and reinforced that we all have complementary roles to play. 

Our work has to start with early detection.    

The 2026 Healthy Tennessee Report, published by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, shows progress but also gaps. For example, 77% of commercial members receive mammograms as recommended. That drops to 71% for members with more social risk factors. Colorectal cancer is a rising cause of death among younger people. Yet only 63% of eligible members are screened, and just 56% of those at higher social risk are. Lung cancer screening rates are even lower. Fewer than 4-in-10 eligible people get screened as recommended.  

Clearly, too many people still delay or skip recommended screenings, even though many are covered by insurance at no extra cost to members.

Our experience shows that barriers like fear, lack of awareness, time, transportation, or caregiving responsibilities get in the way. Behind each number is a person balancing competing priorities. 

So, BlueCross makes targeted outreach to encourage members to get the screenings recommended based on their age, sex, and other factors. Employers can help by reminding employees to get screened, clearly communicating covered services, and making people feel comfortable taking time for needed appointments. Together, we can help drive earlier detection, better outcomes, and lower long-term costs. 

When cancer is caught early, outcomes can be better and treatment is often less intense. 

National data from the American Cancer Society shows early-stage diagnoses can cost 20% to 30% less than late-stage diagnosis, with some differences exceeding $155,000 for certain cancers like breast cancer. For patients, later diagnoses can also mean higher out-of-pocket costs and more financial strain during an already difficult time.  

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. People face complex care decisions, financial concerns, and emotional stress, often while still supporting their families. When employers offer support, it reinforces that people are valued as individuals. This plays an important role in retaining top talent.  

Clear communication about their benefits is a critical first step. Families need to understand what’s covered, how to access care, and what community resources are available. Making that information easy to find helps reduce uncertainty when clarity and accessibility matter most.  

Next, employers can help by creating room for flexibility. That may include adjusting schedules, enabling remote work, or supporting a phased return to work. Managers also need guidance so they can respond with empathy and understanding while still managing the work. Employees may look fine on the outside, but they’re often managing a number of serious challenges. 

Survivorship is also a long and often unseen phase of the journey we can’t forget. Employees may still be managing physical symptoms, emotional health, and the fear of recurrence long after treatment ends.  

Employers can help ease the transition by expanding access to mental health resources, recovery services, and ongoing flexibility. This support can be essential to helping people return to work in a way that’s sustainable. 

There is also a connection between how employees are supported and how they show up for customers. If employees don’t feel taken care of, it can become much harder for them to take care of the people they serve. People will remember how we made them feel long after a difficult season has passed. And that will show up in business outcomes and metrics we’re already measuring, like employee engagement and retention. 

Most importantly, when employers lead with care, clarity, and access to support, they can make a lasting difference in how people experience the challenges of a cancer journey.