Vitality has released data revealing the most prevalent cases of cancer among women and men who made health claims in 2022. For women, regardless of age, the most common cancer claim was breast cancer. For men, the prominent form of cancer was prostate cancer among those over 50 and skin cancer and bowel cancer among those under 50.
In addition, 25% of cancer claims were made by members under the age of 50, which has been described by the insurer as a signal of the need to highlight the importance of screening.
“Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis, with this data highlighting the importance of early intervention, cancer screening and access to high quality treatment for people of all ages,” said Keith Klintworth, managing director at VitalityHealth.
According to the report, the types of cancer patients claimed in relation to in 2022 did not change significantly with age. The most common types of cancer among the female cancer patients who made claims were breast cancer (49%), skin cancer (31%), and bowel cancer (13%).
Meanwhile, the most common type of cancer among men whose ages were 50 and above was prostate cancer (33%); with skin cancer (31%) and bowel cancer (13%) leading the way among men whose ages were below 50.
Klintworth acknowledged the importance of continuous development of technology for screening. “Cancer is an integral part of our health insurance offering, spanning access to innovative new treatments, to mental health support and seamless clinical journeys. It is also an area that has always been a priority for us, with constant enhancements and development over the years,” said Klintworth.
“This year is no exception, and several exciting enhancements will soon be available to members, that complement our existing proposition and further focus on quicker and earlier diagnosis for our members.”
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