Reducing the Burden of Colorectal Cancer on the Workforce: What Employers Can Do

In our recent survey of HR and benefits leaders, nearly all respondents agreed that earlier detection of cancer is one of the most effective ways to improve employee health outcomes and reduce cancer-related costs. Yet, according to the survey, 72 percent of employers feel that their health plans and primary care providers aren’t getting enough employees screened for cancer. This is especially troublesome since, when detected early, there are a number of cancers with high survival rates—among them, colorectal cancer.

Given March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, let’s explore how an effective screening, early detection and end-to-end treatment strategy can make a particularly powerful impact in this disease area. 

Improving clinical and cost outcomes in colorectal cancer

Over 154,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and patients are getting younger. In the 2025 Cancer Facts & Figures report, the American Cancer Society (ACS) noted a 2.4 percent increase in colorectal cancer incidence among people under 50. 

Given rising colorectal cancer rates among working-age populations, it’s important for employers to prioritize early detection which can both save lives, and save costs. When diagnosed at stage I, colorectal cancer patients’ five-year survival rate is 3.4 times higher than those diagnosed at advanced stages. Further, when diagnosed at stage I, the first year of treatment costs for colorectal cancers amount to about $79,000, compared to $272,000 when diagnosed at stage IV. 

Timely, guideline-informed, risk-based screening is one of the best ways to detect colorectal cancer as early as possible—but nearly 30 percent of eligible Americans are currently behind on their colorectal cancer screening. Helping employees know when, where, and how to get screened is a critical first step. But there are additional strategies employers can adopt through the benefits programs they offer – both in terms of increasing screening rates, and in delivering proactive care that addresses each employee’s needs at every stage of the cancer journey. Here’s what those look like, and how making these programs available to every employee can benefit both employees and employers. 

How employers can tackle colorectal cancer through full-spectrum cancer programs

Purpose-built cancer programs can offer assessments to help employees better understand their risk of colorectal cancer and inform future care planning. Risk assessments can be used to identify lifestyle-related factors, such as obesity, smoking and alcohol use, that have been linked to colorectal cancer, as well as family history of colorectal cancer. As many as 1 in 3 people who develop colorectal cancer have other family members who have had it. If someone is known to have a hereditary risk, they may need to get screened earlier than if they didn’t. 

These programs can also facilitate easier, more seamless cancer screening to help more employees adhere to guidelines. Educating employees about their screening recommendations and options, providing at-home fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits to remove logistical barriers to care, and providing access to a dedicated care advocacy team to help navigate any necessary follow-up appointments, such as colonoscopies, are all ways to boost early detection.

After an abnormal screening result, it’s crucial that patients receive follow-up testing quickly to facilitate a timely diagnosis and initiate care before the cancer has time to spread. Studies show that the longer a person waits between a stool-based screening test and a colonoscopy, the greater their risk of late-stage diagnosis and colorectal cancer-related death. However, one study found that a median of close to half of people with an abnormal colorectal cancer screening wait a year or more to receive a follow-up colonoscopy. To minimize the risk of patients falling through the cracks – and subsequent worsening of clinical and cost outcomes – full-spectrum cancer programs can help people get all the tests they need to confirm a diagnosis as quickly as possible, and hit the ground running with treatment once they meet with their oncologist. 

When treatment begins, end-to-end cancer programs can provide the support employees need to manage the many new challenges colorectal cancer treatment brings, including recovery from surgery or side effects from chemotherapy. Care navigation led by cancer experts, plus resources to support medical leave and return to work, peer-led mental health support programs, and financial assistance are key to ensuring employees are well-supported not only with their medical needs, but also in their emotional, psychological, and financial wellness. 

Once a person finishes treatment and enters survivorship, they still have a range of care needs that their employers can support. Management of long-term side effects from treatment, enhanced screening needs to prevent cancer recurrences, and help returning to financial and physical health are all important throughout recovery from cancer. Cancer programs that offer these services can reduce absenteeism for cancer survivors, mitigate mental health difficulties, help tackle medical debts, and improve quality of life. 

Ready to reduce colorectal cancer’s burden on your employees?

Color Health’s Virtual Cancer Clinic is the only solution fully-focused on cancer – for your full workforce. This vertically integrated cancer program delivers proactive, evidence-based interventions at every step of the care journey for a wide range of cancer types, including colorectal cancer. Our 50-state medical group and team of cancer experts provide the most comprehensive, guideline-based, risk-adjusted care to every employee, wherever and whenever they need it most, to improve outcomes and reduce costs from early detection through survivorship. 

Download our employer survey here to explore how other employers are addressing cancer for their workforces, or reach out at learnmore@color.com to chat with our team about offering the Virtual Cancer Clinic to your employees.