"Access to specialist guidance at these moments can help people make informed decisions, seek appropriate medical advice and feel more confident navigating healthcare pathways."
- Emma Thomson - Reframe Cancer
October brings together two important awareness campaigns: Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause Awareness Month. While they are often discussed separately, there is significant overlap between the two, creating challenges for women, employers and insurers.
Women aged between 50-64 are one of the fastest growing segments of the UK workforce, often balancing careers, caring responsibilities and complex health needs. As a result, employers and insurers are increasingly supporting people through both menopause and serious illness at the same time.
Around 90% of women experience symptoms during menopause, it usually affects women between 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later. The symptoms can be wide ranging and often affect performance at work. Fatigue, sleep disruption, anxiety, brain fog, cognitive issues and reduced concentration are among the most common.
Physical symptoms such as abdominal bloating, unexplained weight changes and changes in appetite can also occur. While these symptoms are frequently associated with menopause, some can also overlap with signs of cancer, making it difficult for individuals to know when further medical investigation may be needed.
Ovarian cancer is one example. In the UK, the risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, with around 82% of cases diagnosed in women over 50. Persistent bloating and abdominal discomfort can be symptoms of both ovarian cancer and hormonal changes associated with menopause.
An added complication is that cancer treatment can also have a significant impact on hormonal health. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, some surgical procedures and certain hormone therapies may bring on menopause earlier than expected.
Breast cancer presents a similar challenge. It is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 59,400 new cases diagnosed every year. More broadly, one in two people will develop cancer during their lifetime. As survival rates improve and people work later into life, more employees will find themselves managing cancer alongside other health conditions, including menopause.
For the protection market, this presents an important opportunity.
Beyond the claim
Insurers increasingly recognise that customers need support beyond the point of claim. Protection propositions are evolving from purely financial protection towards wider health and wellbeing support, helping people navigate illness, treatment, recovery and return to work.
However, there is also a growing need for support earlier in the customer journey, particularly when individuals are worried about symptoms, awaiting investigations or trying to understand what their next steps should be. This is often the most stressful and worrying time and yet it is overlooked, people can feel alone and isolated.
Access to specialist guidance at these moments can help people make informed decisions, seek appropriate medical advice and feel more confident navigating healthcare pathways.
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At Reframe Cancer, we see first-hand how valuable specialist support can be. Our services are delivered by CQC registered cancer nurse specialists who provide personalised, evidence-based support tailored to an individual's circumstances. This goes beyond signposting, helping people understand their diagnosis, prepare for consultations, navigate treatment options and manage the practical and emotional impact of cancer.
Importantly, that support is not limited to those who have already received a diagnosis. Individuals who are experiencing worrying symptoms, undergoing investigations or simply trying to understand their options can benefit from access to experienced cancer nurses.
Having a trusted clinical professional available can help people ask the right questions, access appropriate care and avoid relying on conflicting or unreliable sources of information.
Insurer value
For insurers, this creates significant value. Access to specialist cancer nurse support can help customers engage proactively with their health and feel supported during periods of uncertainty. It also reinforces the insurer's position as a trusted partner rather than simply a provider of financial support.
The benefits extend to employers as well. Managers want to help but are not clinicians. Giving employees access to specialist cancer nurses ensures they can receive expert guidance from professionals who understand both the clinical realities of cancer and the practical implications for work.
Awareness remains important, but awareness alone is not enough. Women experiencing menopause or concerned about potential cancer symptoms need access to trusted expertise when they need it most. Insurers have an opportunity to move beyond simply funding treatment and towards enabling better outcomes. By combining protection products with access to specialist services, including support from CQC registered cancer nurse specialists, the industry can deliver value that extends far beyond the policy itself.
Ultimately, effective protection ensures people have access to the right support, from the right experts, at the right time.
