Cancer Prevention: Navigating Through Resources and Challenges

April is National Cancer Control Month. This month is dedicated to reminding everyone about the importance of routine cancer screenings. According to the American Cancer Society, 2 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2025. The 2025 Cancer Statistics states that for men, the most common cancers are prostate cancer, at 30%, followed by lung cancer, at 11%, and colorectal cancer, at 8%. For women, it would be breast cancer at 32%, lung cancer at 12% and colorectal at 7%. Those statistics are incredibly eye-opening and reinforce the reason why focusing on prevention and early detection is vital for improving survival rates, reducing the burden of cancer, and enhancing the quality of life.   

 

Why does early detection and prevention matter? 

 As a husband, a father, and someone who has a family history of cancer, early detection and prevention means seeing my daughter grow up. It means making wonderful memories with my wife and daughter during family activities, birthdays, vacations, and other family moments. It means being the best dad and husband that I can be. Those are the reasons why early detection and prevention matter to me.  

Based on research by the National Institutes of Health, nearly 80% of the change in cancer deaths over the past five decades was because of screening efforts and advances in prevention. Early detection of cancer can: 

• Increase survival rates: The National Council on Aging states that the five-year survival rate for a number of cancers is almost 90% when found at its earliest stages.  

• Reduce invasive treatments: Catching cancer early can lead to fewer extensive procedures or treatments.  

• Improve quality of life: When caught early and early-stage treatment plans are administered, there is less disruption to daily life and activities.  

Each year we age, our risk of developing cancers increases dramatically, thus making prevention and early detection even more important. The National Cancer Institute states that the most critical risk factor for cancer overall is advancing age. Cancer occurrence rates steadily rise as age increases from 25 cases per 100,000 people in age groups under age 20 to about 350 per 100,000 people for age groups 45-49 to more than 1,000 per 100,000 people for age groups 60 and above. Proactively prioritizing your health should include regular screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, prostate exams, and skin cancer screenings.  

 

Utilize Available Employer Resources for Cancer Prevention and Care 

Many employers understand the importance of supporting their employees’ health through comprehensive wellness programs. As a Seubert employee, I’ve reviewed our available resources to help me know what I have and how to use them. Knowing my wellness resources helps me plan my preventive care visits and make my health a priority.  

Here are some ways to utilize those available workplace resources: 

• Wellness Programs: Many organizations offer cancer prevention education, access to preventive screenings, and lifestyle modification programs. Review the resources you have available through your wellness program and take advantage of them to prioritize your health.  

• Health benefits: Review your employer’s health benefits and understand the covered preventive services and screenings. Additionally, you might have access to different ways to receive care, such as virtual health services that may offer faster care.   

• Paid time off: Review your organization’s paid time off policy for medical appointments that include cancer screenings. Many employers have reduced the barriers to accessing preventive care by providing these benefits.    

 

Addressing Barriers to Cancer Care 

A cancer diagnosis can flip anyone’s world upside down, including the people they care about. New worries and stress arise from finding someone to assist with getting the kids to school, how we are going to pay for the treatment, and even how I am going to work so I can pay for the treatment. 

Here are some ways to manage some of these challenges: 

• Childcare or eldercare: Childcare or eldercare coordination can make medical appointments challenging.  

• • Contact your employer’s Employee Assistance Program to learn about available resources for childcare and eldercare. 

• • Reach out to hospitals to inquire about hospital-based childcare programs 

• • Reach out to local community organizations to inquire about available childcare and eldercare resources  

• Financial support: Cancer care is very costly for individuals and families.  

• • Explore financial assistance programs offered by organizations or foundations that may provide patient assistance.  

• • Explore flexible work arrangements to maintain employment during treatment 

• Medication and treatment support: Managing cancer treatment plans can be very overwhelming for anyone.  

• • Contact your employer’s care advocacy services to help you understand your benefits and necessary medication access.  

• • Utilize resources available through your insurance carrier, including a care management team, social workers, pharmacists, and mental health resources.   

• Geographical location: Traveling far for treatment and care can be very burdensome for individuals and families.  

• • Explore options for using telemedicine or mobile screening services that may be available through your insurance carrier.  

  

Conclusion 

Let’s prioritize cancer prevention and early detection since they are essential parts of life as we age, especially if we want to enjoy all life offers. We can take proactive steps toward better health outcomes by utilizing employer resources and addressing potential barriers. Regular screenings, lifestyle modifications, and access to available support are essential components in the fight against cancer.  

 

References:

American Cancer Society (n.d.). Cancer Facts & Figures 2025. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/2025-cancer-facts-figures.html  

Hoyos, J. (2025, March 28). How Older Adults Can Reduce Their Risk of Cancer. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://www.ncoa.org/article/prevention-how-older-adults-can-reduce-their-risk-of-cancer/  

National Cancer Institute (2021, March 5). Age and Cancer Risk. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/age  

National Institutes of Health (2025, January 14). Prevention and Screening Drive Drop in Cancer Deaths. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/prevention-screening-drive-drop-cancer-deaths  

 

Christian Gabarda MS, MBA is Seubert’s Well-Being & Engagement Coordinator. Christian joined Seubert’s Employee Benefits Division in 2024 with over 13 years of professional experience. He helps clients enhance workforce well-being by developing tailored wellness programs, managing Seubert’s data analytics, building vendor relationships, and presenting data-driven strategies to clients.