"Cancer is still often thought of as something that mainly affects people later in life, but that perception is becoming outdated."
- Keira Wallis - Healix Health
New data from Healix Health found that women in their 30s and 40s account for the overwhelming majority of self-referrals for suspected cancer symptoms.
Cancer Research UK has reported that cancer incidence in people aged 25 to 49 rose by 24% between 1995 and 2019, with clinicians increasingly identifying early-onset cancers as an area of concern.
To understand how this is being reflected in the workplace, Healix Health analysed use of its self-referral cancer pathway in Q2 2026, which showed that suspected breast cancer symptoms accounted for 70% of self-referrals, with skin cancer concerns the second most common reason at 17%.
In addition, 72% of pathway users were aged 30 to 49, with women aged 40 to 49 the largest single cohort. Women made up 82% of pathway users, meaning men accounted for fewer than one in five self-referrals. 88% of breast-related referrals came from women under 50.
Fewer than one in ten cases involving raised PSA levels came through a self-referral cancer pathway, with the vast majority originating through traditional GP referral routes.
READ MORE: 'Silent killers': workplace health checks direct 1 in 4 employees to GP
"Cancer is still often thought of as something that mainly affects people later in life, but that perception is becoming outdated," Keira Wallis, head of clinical operations at Healix Health, said.
"More people are facing cancer concerns while they are still building their careers, raising families and managing busy working lives, and employers need to recognise that this is becoming a much bigger workplace issue.
"Our data shows that women in their 30s and 40s are actively seeking support, while men account for fewer than one in five people using these services. That gap should prompt employers to consider not only what support they offer, but how it is communicated and whether different groups feel confident using it.
"Cancer benefits, workplace policies and manager training need to reflect the reality that younger employees may need support, while making sure men are not being overlooked."
