New Study Highlights the Cancer Attention Gap Facing Employers Amid Rising Costs and Precision Care Deficiencies

Understanding the Cancer Attention Gap

A recent study highlights a pressing issue that many employers face: the growing cost of cancer care and a significant lapse in the attention it receives from executives. While cancer continues to be the leading unmanaged cost risk for employers, health concerns that are trending, such as GLP-1 therapies and mental health, garner more daily focus. This phenomenon creates a worrying disconnect that not only affects costs but also has serious implications for patient outcomes.

The Dominance of Cancer Costs

According to research conducted by AccessHope and Lantern, a substantial number of employers—94%—acknowledge that early expert intervention in cancer care can lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced costs. Yet, a staggering 94% of HR and benefits leaders still report that they do not consult external oncology specialists for high-cost treatment decisions. The report, titled “The Cancer Attention Gap,” sheds light on this concerning mismatch.

Almost all employers surveyed (95%) noted that three or more of their ten highest-cost claimants were cancer-related. Furthermore, 62% ranked cancer as one of their top three cost drivers, indicating its critical financial impact. Despite this, executive focus tends to lean towards more visible health conditions. For example, 94% of employers indicated that they devote equal or greater attention to GLP-1 medications, despite the relatively low catastrophic costs associated with obesity and diabetes claims.

The Urgency for Precision in Cancer Care

The study underscores that clinical precision and early subspecialist involvement are the most effective methods for curtailing cancer-related expenditures. Current clinical data suggest that only 35% of cancer patients receive appropriate genomic testing, and only 60% of cancer care in the United States adheres to established guidelines. Evidence-based care is vital for reshaping both the health outcomes of cancer patients and the overall cost trajectory.

To illustrate the significance of this approach, AccessHope presented a striking case. A missed EGFR mutation resulted in an annual non-targeted treatment expense of $339,000, with the patient achieving a mere 30% chance of surviving two years. After correctly implementing a targeted therapy strategy, annual costs plummeted to $238,000, alongside an astonishing increase in the two-year survival rate to 86%. This disparity showcases how crucial early-integrated subspecialty expertise is in reducing unnecessary downstream costs and optimizing patient outcomes.

Moving Beyond Awareness: Essential Actions Needed

Close examination of the report reveals actionable steps that employers can take to mitigate cancer-related expenses while enhancing care quality and employee experiences. Emphasizing on clinical support at the point of treatment decision is imperative.

One-on-one assistance during the care journey is equally vital. Engaging oncology nurse navigators can assist employees in overcoming barriers to adherence, with studies showing significant improvements in treatment initiation when navigation programs are involved. Employers must transform care navigation from a passive benefit into an active mechanism that improves both costs and outcomes.

Dr. Stephen Speicher, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Cancer and Specialty Infusions at Lantern, emphasizes that patients need trust and the right guidance during their treatment journey. Lantern’s Care Team initiates early engagement, forming personal relationships that can help facilitate critical treatment recommendations.

The research also reveals that Lantern’s engagement model yields an impressive employee engagement rate of up to 35%, significantly higher than the industry average of less than 5%. This advantage stems from the integration of clinical expertise and personalized navigation.

Conclusion

The Cancer Attention Gap report by AccessHope and Lantern serves as a vital reminder for employers to revisit their cancer care strategies. The disparities in outcomes and costs can be addressed through proactive measures and trusted care pathways, ultimately leading to improved health and financial outcomes. To explore the full report and gain insights into evaluating cancer benefits infrastructure, visit the AccessHope and Lantern websites.