Cancer Prevention in the Workplace: What California Employers Should Know

Cancer impacts more than individual health—it directly affects the workplace. Nearly 45% of cancer diagnoses occur among adults ages 20 to 64, making cancer prevention in the workplace an important consideration for California employers.¹

By encouraging preventive care through employee benefits, employers can support workforce health, reduce long-term healthcare costs, and create a more resilient organization. Prevention isn’t just a healthcare initiative, it’s a smart benefits strategy.

Why Preventive Care Matters for California Employers

Regular cancer screenings and preventive services can help detect issues earlier, when treatment is often more effective and less disruptive. Many employer-sponsored health plans in California include coverage for preventive care services, often at little to no cost to employees, yet these benefits are frequently underused.

From an employer perspective, prevention can help:

• Reduce high-cost medical claims
• Minimize extended absences and disability
• Support productivity and employee retention
• Create a healthier, more resilient workforce

In a state with rising healthcare costs and a competitive labor market, preventive care plays an important role in workforce stability.

Cervical Cancer Prevention: An Example of Progress

Cervical cancer offers a clear example of how prevention works. Over the past two decades, cervical cancer rates in the United States have declined significantly, largely due to increased access to routine screenings and preventive care. When detected early, cervical cancer is often highly treatable.

Healthcare organizations, including Kaiser Permanente, have demonstrated strong performance in preventive care and screening measures, reflecting the impact of consistent screening and follow-up efforts.²

While medical guidance should always come from a healthcare provider, employers can support awareness by encouraging employees to take advantage of preventive services already included in their health plans.

How California Employers Can Support Prevention at Work

Supporting preventive care doesn’t require a complex wellness program. Small, intentional actions can make a meaningful difference.

California employers can:

• Highlight preventive care benefits during open enrollment
• Share reminders during health awareness months
• Encourage employees to schedule routine screenings
• Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes health and wellbeing

Clear communication helps employees understand—and actually use—the benefits available to them.

The Role of Employee Benefits Strategy

Employee benefits are more than coverage—they’re a long-term investment in your people. A thoughtful employee benefits strategy helps ensure preventive care is accessible, understood, and aligned with business goals.

At Leavitt Group, we help California employers design and communicate employee benefits programs that support workforce health while managing costs. From preventive care education to strategic plan design, the right approach can make a lasting impact.

Supporting a Healthier California Workforce

Cancer prevention starts with awareness, access, and support. When California employers actively promote preventive care, they help protect their employees—and their business.

If you’d like guidance on strengthening your employee benefits strategy or improving how preventive care is communicated to your workforce, the Leavitt team is here to help.

Sources & Additional Resources

¹ Impact of Cancer on Employment.
National Institutes of Health (NIH), PubMed Central (PMC).
This research highlights the prevalence of cancer diagnoses among working-age adults and the impact of cancer on employment outcomes.

² Kaiser Permanente 2022 HEDIS® Scores.
Benchmarks provided by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Quality Compass® 2022.
Kaiser Permanente combined region scores were provided by the Kaiser Permanente Department of Care and Service Quality. Data is used with permission of NCQA. Quality Compass® and HEDIS® are registered trademarks of NCQA. CAHPS® is a registered trademark of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.