Cancer Remains Leading Cause Of Unum’s Disability Claims – DISCUSSION FOLLOWING ARTICLE
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For the 12th year cancer is the top reason for long-term disability claims for Unum (NYSE: UNM), followed closely by back disorders, according to 2012 claims data.
“Although cancer remains a significant area of focus for our disability claims professionals”
Cancer claims were nearly 16 percent of the company’s long term disability claims, while back disorders made up 15.1 percent of claims. The leading reasons for Unum’s short term disability claims in 2012 were maternity (18.9 percent of claims) and non-back injuries (10.5 percent).
Disability Insurance Awareness Month in May is a good opportunity to highlight the value of disability coverage, not only for the financial benefit it provides, but also for the support that employees receive as they recover and return to work. Recovery and return to work play a particularly significant role for cancer patients.
“Most people who have been diagnosed with cancer are very motivated to get back to work,” said Kristin Tugman, senior director of Health and Productivity at Unum. “It helps create a sense of normalcy and control at a time when people often feel understandably overwhelmed.”
Advances in cancer treatment have lead to much higher rates of survival from diagnosis. The American Cancer Society estimates that the number of cancer survivors in the U.S. will grow to nearly 18 million by 2022. The Cancer Society also observes that the transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor is the next critical area of attention for families, care givers and employers.
“We work closely with employers whose employees are out on disability because of cancer,” Tugman said. “When a cancer patient is ready to resume some work responsibilities, we can help the employer offer the necessary support and accommodations their employee needs to return to work in a productive and safe manner.”
Cancer patients experience a wide range of side effects from treatment, including fatigue and cognitive issues that are the result of “chemo-brain,” Tugman said. As the employee transitions back to work, possible accommodations could include:
Clearly defining work expectations and limitations
Creating a flexible or reduced work schedule
Modifying work stations to avoid having to stand or sit for too long
Allowing extra time for breaks to combat fatigue
Coaching and providing feedback on performance
Through research and education Unum offers employers guidance on how they can support workers through cancer diagnosis and treatment, and help those employees return successfully to the workplace.
“Although cancer remains a significant area of focus for our disability claims professionals,” Tugman said, “we are seeing some dramatic trends in recovery and return to work. And we recognize the importance in helping the customer – and their employer – learn to see beyond the diagnosis and to understand the important role that returning to work can play in a cancer survivor’s overall recovery.”
Other leading causes of long term disability claims for Unum in 2012 were:
Back disorders (excluding injury) (15.1%)
Injuries (9.8%)
Behavioral health issues (9.8%)
Circulatory system disorders (9.0%)
Joint disorders (8.3%)
Leading causes of short term disability claims were:
Normal pregnancy (18.9%)
Injuries (10.5%)
Complications from pregnancy (8.4%)
Digestive disorders (8.0%)
Back disorders (7.1%)
Cancer (6.8%)
Current literature suggests that 70% of all cancer patients will survive for more than 5 years following the initial diagnosis. Cancer survivorship does not imply that individuals will be symptom free. The most common reported residual symptoms include pain, fatigue, and depression. Researchers have examined the change in role expectancies that accompany the onset of illness. They noted that patients are relieved of may life role activities both domestic and in their occupation. Their social environment is also expected to adopt a supportive and care giving role in order to facilitate the recovery of the patient. Following the recovery – patients are expected to resume pre illness responsibilities and their social environment often reduces the care giving activities.
So the question is, how does that affect the patients ability to resume life role activities and return to work? Does the treatment process prepare the patient for this? Does their primary care physician have experience in helping them adapt back into their “normal” lives?
Would an early intervention strategy fit into this scenario? In recent years and in my previous posts, research suggests that reducing disease activity and increasing functional abilities does not translate into reduced disability. Many studies reviewed by leaders in this field indicate that initial levels of perceived pain and perceived functional disability are predictive of prolonged recovery. Pain related fears have been found to be SIGNIFICANT determinants in the patients inability to return to work.
So to sum it up – would an early intervention RTW strategy be beneficial to cancer survivors during or after their treatment? There are studies being conducted currently by Sullivan with the MDRC to address this. We know that modifiable psychosocial factors can present significant barriers to RTW. There is clearly endless amount that can be written.
lifeteamhealth 