Survivors of Cancer More Likely to Return to Work Than in Past Years
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
For a decade, cancer has been the leading cause of long term disability
claims for Unum (NYSE:UNM), according to 2010 data from the leading
provider of group disability benefits.
But as treatments for cancer have become more effective, return-to-work
rates for people who are diagnosed with some of the most prevalent
cancers have improved.
“Years ago, if you had cancer, you very likely weren’t coming back to
work,” said Robert Jacob, a director of health and productivity for
Unum. “With advances in treatment and early detection, the questions
surrounding cancer and the workplace have evolved.”
Cancer has consistently prompted about 14 percent of Unum’s long term
disability claims over the last decade. During the next three years,
Unum will participate in an initiative by the National Business Group on
Health to develop comprehensive resources for employers on the spectrum
of cancer-related benefits and workplace programs.
“We hope our expertise in disability, absence management and
return-to-work strategies can be valuable resources in this effort,”
said Jacob, who is working with the NGBH on behalf of Unum.
Through research and education, Unum has offered employers guidance on
how they can support workers through cancer diagnosis and treatment and
help those employees return successfully to work.
Tools in this effort include the guide “Moving
Beyond: Cancer Survivors at Work.”
May, which is Disability Insurance Awareness Month, presents a good
opportunity to highlight the important role benefits play in helping to
protect employees financially and keeping businesses strong, Jacob said.
“As more people return to work after a cancer diagnosis, it becomes even
more important for employers and employees to understand the role of
disability coverage and effective return-to-work strategies,” he said.
Unum data shows that:
-
For claims received in 2001, 47 percent of Unum’s long term disability
customers who were diagnosed with breast cancer returned to work. For
claims received in 2008, the number was 52 percent.
-
For claims received in 2001, 23 percent of those diagnosed with colon
cancer returned to work. For claims received in 2008, the number was
30 percent.
-
For claims received in 2001, 28 percent of people diagnosed with
prostate cancer returned to work. For claims received in 2008, the
number was 30 percent.
And return-to-work rates for people on Unum short term disability claims
due to breast cancer more than doubled from 2001 to 2008, rising from
28.8 percent to more than 60 percent.
“Most people who have been diagnosed with cancer are very motivated to
get back to work,” Jacob said. “It helps to create a sense of normalcy
and control at a time when people often feel understandably overwhelmed.”
Other leading causes of long term disability claims for Unum in 2010
were:
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Back injuries, about 12 percent of claims
-
Other injuries, about 9 percent of claims
Leading causes of short term disability in 2010 were:
-
Pregnancy, about 22 percent of claims
-
Injuries, about 9 percent of claims
-
Digestive disorders, about 7 percent of claims
About Unum
Unum (www.unum.com)
is one of the leading providers of employee benefits products and
services in the United States and the United Kingdom. Through its
subsidiaries, Unum provided $6 billion in total benefits to customers in
2010.
Source: Unum
Contact:
Unum
Mary Fortune
423-294-6368
866-750-8686