SINGAPORE, February 4, 2026 — Cancer remains the leading condition by incidence across Asia Pacific, with more than 9.8 million individuals diagnosed with cancer yearly across Asia[1]. Globally, Asia bears the greatest cancer burden, accounting for 49% of cases worldwide, underscoring a growing public health and workforce challenge for the region.
According to the 2026 Global Medical Trends Report by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking, and solutions company, cancer is also the fastest-growing condition in both insurance utilisation and cost in Asia Pacific over the past 18 months. Over 50% of insurers in this region reported cancer as the fastest-growing condition by incidence, with breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer as the top three.
In Singapore, the challenge is particularly acute. Cancer is the leading cause of death accounting for 26.2% of all deaths[2], while 65% of employees report anxiety about returning to work after a cancer diagnosis[3], highlighting the emotional and psychological burdern carried by working individuals. At the same time, 90% of people[3] in Singapore say returning to work supports their recovering, reinforcing the importance of role workplaces play in survivorship and rehabilitation.
“Creating a cancer-friendly workplace that support employees through cancer treatment and a culture where everyone feels safe and respected is both a moral responsibility and a business imperative.”
Eva Liu | Head of Strategic Development, Asia Pacific, Health & Benefits
Data also points to a worrying trend among younger populations, with 82% of insurers surveyed in APAC by WTW reporting an increase in the incidence of cancer in the population under the age of 40 over the past year. This finding resonates with recent medical research that early on-set cancer is on the rise. Medical experts point to risk factors such as environmental and lifestyle factors that are linked to an uptick in cancer.
“Cancer is no longer an issue that sits outside the workplace. It can affect employees at every stage of their careers,” said Eva Liu, Head of Strategic Development, Asia Pacific, Health & Benefits, WTW. “A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing, not just for the individual but also for their employer. Creating a cancer-friendly workplace that support employees through cancer treatment and a culture where everyone feels safe and respected is both a moral responsibility and a business imperative.”
The impact of cancer on employees extends well beyond medical treatment. Many individuals experience profound mental and emotional challenges, including fear, anxiety, sadness, anger and isolation. In Asia, approximately 54% of people with advanced cancer report high levels of anxiety or depression[4], while stigma remains a persistent concern. Employees may also worry about job security, performance, income loss and disclosure at work, compounding emotional distress during an already difficult period.
“A structured, supportive return-to-work approach can help employees rebuild confidence while enabling organisations to retain valuable skills and experience.”
Pheona Chua | Associate Director, Corporate Health & Wellbeing, Asia Pacific
These challenges do not end with treatment. “Across APAC, 30 to 60% of cancer survivors attempt to return to work within 12 months, yet many face persistent fatigue, pain, anxiety and fears around disclosure or discrimination. A structured, supportive return-to-work approach can help employees rebuild confidence while enabling organisations to retain valuable skills and experience,” said Pheona Chua, Associate Director, Corporate Health & Wellbeing, Asia Pacific, WTW.
“Returning to work can be a powerful part of recovery, but only if it is handled with care. Emotional readiness check, phased reintegration, manager check-ins and long-term emotional support are critical to helping employees feel safe, valued and capable as they rebuild their working lives.”
WTW survey findings also indicate that wellbeing programmes can help to reduce cancer risk factors and is one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer claims and costs. This is in addition to early screening and prevention.
As cancer prevalence continues to rise, especially in APAC, employers are increasingly encouraged to adopt preventative, inclusive and flexible workplace strategies. These include promoting early detection and health education, ensuring clear and compassionate policies, and equipping managers with the confidence to support employees through every stage of the cancer journey. Promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviour are important foundations of an employer approach to cancer.
“World Cancer Day is an important reminder that workplaces can be a source of stability, dignity and hope,” said Eva. “By putting people at the centre and recognising the uniqueness of every cancer journey, employers can help employees not just return to work, but create a workplace where everyone can thrive.”
To enable companies to take meaningful steps towards a more inclusive workplace, WTW has developed a comprehensive cancer health guide for employers, jointly in partnership with Workplace Options.
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