Improving outcomes in cancer treatment, diagnosis and support
Cancer treatment is rapidly evolving, with new biological and hormone chemotherapies being increasingly used to treat a growing number of cancers.
Between 2019-2024, claims rates of biological and hormone chemotherapies to treat Vitality members each increased by 30% respectively.
Whilst the adoption of these new therapies and technology can help deliver improved outcomes for patients; they come at a higher cost. Vitality's data shows that between 2019 and 2024, the total cost of a cancer claim increased by 23%, on average.
As cancer research continues to advance, this upward trend in costs shows no signs of slowing, reinforcing the critical role of prevention and early intervention – catching cancer before treatment becomes more complex and costly.
30% increase in claims rates for biological and hormone therapies 2019 – 2024.
Screening and early detection
Typically, the earlier cancer is detected the higher the prospect of successful treatment. Increasingly, the first step for many screening and diagnostic pathways can take place online.
With Vitality’s online Cancer Risk Assessment, all members who are identified as ‘at-risk’ are offered discounted screening for breast, bowel, cervical, prostate and skin cancer.
Since launching in 2023, over 28,000 members have completed the Cancer Risk Assessment, with around 10% going on to have appropriate screening through Vitality.
Between 2019 – 2024, skin cancer claims rates increased by
from referral to results1
Since 2015, Vitality has offered digital-led skin cancer diagnostics for members, that employs AI-driven analysis of dermascope images captured at home, with remote dermatologist review.
In 2024, 4,783 members utilised the service for prompt and efficient evaluation of potential skin cancers. Results were typically delivered within an average of 3.4 days following a Vitality GP referral1 and 56% of users were discharged without requiring an in-person dermatologist appointment, thereby saving time, reducing anxiety, and lowering costs.
Optimising health during cancer treatment
As well as providing cover for the latest therapies and treatments, Vitality’s Cancer Support Programme offers members undergoing treatment access to specialist case management and personalised lifestyle coaching, to manage treatment side effects, nutrition and rehabilitation via an app.
Vitality members enrolled on the Cancer Support Programme experienced2:
reduction in stress and anxiety
reduction in depression
increase in physical activity
improvement in quality of life
’I felt wrapped in cotton wool’
It wasn’t just the high-quality clinical care that helped Vitality member Nicky get through her cancer treatment. As well as the specialist cancer care team, who provided her personal support through the whole journey, she also took advantage of Vitality’s Cancer Treatment Support Programme, which provided her with nutrition, mental and physical health assistance during and after her treatment.
1. Based on skin cancer diagnostics data from March-December 2024.
2. Based on health metrics reported by Vitality members enrolled in the Cancer Support Programme, 2024, compared to anticipated impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on patients' health.
All figures VitalityHealth claims data 2024 unless otherwise stated.
