Cancer rates are on the rise. Every business needs a preventative health strategy

According to data from the World Health Organization, nearly one in six deaths is due to cancer, a figure that continues to climb. Yet, it’s estimated that a large proportion of cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle changes, from healthier eating to increased physical activity. And employers are beginning to recognize the powerful role they can play in helping their teams make healthier choices.

Adopting a preventative health strategy can not only protect employees but also yield significant benefits for businesses. Business leaders and HR managers who invest in health-driven strategies for employees often report reduced healthcare costs, greater productivity, and improved employee retention. 

But for organizations that haven’t yet considered such a strategy, the question is where to start and how to create a plan that makes a meaningful difference.

The preventability of cancer through lifestyle choices

The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that 40% of cancer cases could be prevented by adopting healthier habits, such as not smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating more nutritiously, and maintaining regular physical activity. 

Smoking alone is responsible for 20% of all cancer cases, according to the American Cancer Society, while diet and physical inactivity also contribute substantially to rising cancer statistics. For employers, this means the workplace offers an influential environment for encouraging employees to make small, consistent choices that reduce their risk over time.

Data consistently shows that employees who adopt healthier lifestyles are not only at reduced risk of chronic diseases but also experience higher energy levels, improved mental clarity, and enhanced emotional wellbeing. 

Given that employees spend a large part of their day at work, businesses have an opportunity to influence these choices through a structured health strategy that prioritizes prevention.

How businesses can develop a preventative health strategy

The first step in creating a preventative health strategy is to assess the primary health risks that are present in your workforce. That might be via employee health surveys or even anonymized data from healthcare providers. The key is to get a macro-level view of your team’s needs so that you can tailor your strategy more effectively.

Setting measurable health goals, such as increasing awareness around cancer risks or incentivizing healthy behavior, can create better focus and engagement. Providing access to health screenings or annual check-ups also plays a crucial role in early detection and prevention. Many cancers, including breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer, have higher survival rates when caught early. 

By offering resources that promote health education, you can empower your employees to make informed lifestyle choices. For example, companies can facilitate workplace seminars or partner with health providers to offer advice on cancer prevention. Topics like the benefits of quitting smoking, nutritional counseling, or strategies for integrating physical activity into a busy schedule are valuable additions to a preventative approach. 

The business value of preventative health strategies

The case for preventative health strategies goes beyond employee health. Studies show that healthier employees have reduced absenteeism and increased productivity. Researchers at Harvard University found that businesses that prioritize employee health enjoy an ROI of up to $3 for every $1 invested in wellness programs. 

What’s more, companies that invest in wellbeing initiatives experience better staff retention, as employees appreciate the support and commitment.

Reduced healthcare costs are another key benefit. Prolonged cancer treatment and recovery periods often result in increased business costs due to health insurance claims, absence, or the need to hire temporary replacements. By promoting prevention, companies can significantly reduce these costs. 

A healthier workforce also contributes to a positive company culture, reinforcing your business’s reputation as an employer that cares about its people. Surveys show that companies with robust wellness programs have an edge in attracting and retaining top talent, as prospective employees recognize the value placed on their health.

How YuLife supports preventative health in the workplace

YuLife’s approach to employee wellbeing is grounded in the belief that small, consistent lifestyle changes can have profound effects on health. YuLife’s employee app goes beyond traditional Group Insurance by encouraging employees to take daily actions that support physical and mental health, helping reduce long-term risks associated with cancer and other chronic illnesses. 

Through gamified challenges and interactive features, our app incentivizes your employees to adopt healthy habits, from daily walks to mindful breathing exercises, and rewards them with YuCoin, a virtual currency redeemable for vouchers at leading retailers and charities.

YuCoin acts as an innovative motivational tool, offering immediate rewards for healthy choices and making the journey to improved wellbeing engaging. Employees can set personal goals, whether that’s increasing their daily steps or taking time out for meditation, and receive encouragement and rewards as they achieve milestones. 

For employers, YuLife’s platform provides insights into team health trends while maintaining employee privacy. This allows businesses like yours to gauge the impact of your wellbeing strategy and adjust it to better meet your team’s needs.

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