As the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise, ensuring that your employees have cancer risk cover has never been as important.
According to data from the Discovery Corporate and Employee Benefits 2025 Cancer Insights, medical scheme cancer claims have increased by over 40% between 2012 and 2024.
The report also revealed that skin cancer is now one of the top five critical illness cancers, accounting for 8% of cancer-related severe illness benefit claims in the 2024 financial year. Discovery Health's data shows that the incidence of skin cancer has increased sharply since 2012 in younger members, but has also increased across all age groups. Discovery Group Risk data shows that diagnoses occurred at later stages - cases that could often have been detected earlier through preventative screening.
"Despite all the information and education about the advantages of proactive cancer screenings, screening rates are still low among the working population even though they have medical cover and access to preventative screening benefits," says Guy Chennells, Chief Commercial Officer at Discovery Corporate and Employee Benefits (CEB).
Middle-stage cancer claims have increased by 70%, while early-stage claims have dropped by 40%. "Claims and mortality are rising, partly due to delays in screening and diagnosis. What we know is that when any cancer is detected early, the chances of a full recovery are far higher.
"Screening saves lives and the advances in cancer treatment have increased survival rates and the quality of life for survivors," Chennells adds.
To improve the early diagnosis of skin cancer, preventative screening is critical. "There's often hesitation around cancer screenings due to fears of invasive procedures, but skin cancer screening is simple, non-invasive and quick," he explains. "It's a visual exam, or dermatoscopy, where a health practitioner examines the skin for suspicious spots or checks existing spots and moles. The whole process takes about 10 to 20 minutes."
Employers who act now to prioritise cancer prevention, early detection, and integrated support will not only reduce the financial strain of a cancer diagnosis on employees and their businesses but also improve their long-term outcomes across risk, health, and retirement.
Skin cancer: The myths
Cancer is caused by the development, growth and spread of abnormal cells. In the case of skin cancer, this abnormal growth can result in four types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma.
According to Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Health, there are common misconceptions about skin cancer. "Skin cancer affects all skin pigments, including darker skin. Yes, the incidence is higher in people with fairer skin, but you are not immune if you have darker skin. Skin protection, including hats, daily use of sunscreen when exposure to the sun is high, and education, are important for everyone," she explains.
Dr Nematswerani also dispels the myth that only people with a family history of cancer are at risk. "Hereditary cancer cases only account for 10% of cancer cases. The other 90% are determined by other risk factors like lifestyle - obesity, poor diet, alcohol use, smoking and inactivity - as well as environmental exposure to the sun, pollution, chemicals and endocrine disruptors that increase the risk of cancer."
Prioritising cancer risk benefits
"While organisations can and should encourage screening as a visible part of wellness programmes, to be truly proactive, they need group risk cover that pays out when an employee has cancer and offers hands-on support throughout treatment and recovery," says Yasheen Modi, Head of Marketing at Discovery Corporate and Employee Benefits.
"Cancer now accounts for up to 50% of severe illness claims, and these claims are becoming more complex, more costly, and more emotionally taxing for employees and employers. Employees need both direct financial provision and help navigating the incredibly difficult emotional, physical, relational and financial journey through it."
With one in eight South Africans between the ages of 18 and 65 likely to develop cancer, Modi says the ripple effect of a diagnosis goes well beyond the individual. "A cancer diagnosis also impacts managers, teams and projects financially and emotionally. Comprehensive cancer cover, like that offered by Discovery Corporate and Employee Benefits, changes outcomes by offering expert care navigation to the employee, their family and their manager at work."