Early-Onset Cancer Is Reshaping Risk: A look Into The Research. What does the progress, plateaus, and pressures mean for insurers?

Presented by RGA

Cancer mortality in the United States has declined significantly over the past two decades, reflecting advances in prevention, screening, and treatment. However, new research from RGA reveals a more complex picture beneath these encouraging trends.

While overall mortality rates continue to improve, progress has slowed among younger populations. At the same time, the incidence of early-onset cancers, particularly colorectal and breast cancers, is rising and, in some cases, contributing to higher mortality rates. These shifts are prompting renewed focus on the factors shaping cancer risk, including screening gaps, cohort effects, and evolving lifestyle and environmental influences.

For insurers, understanding these changing patterns is becoming increasingly important. Emerging cancer trends may influence future mortality and morbidity assumptions, underwriting practices, product development, and claims experience. Looking beyond aggregate cancer statistics can help insurers better assess current risks and anticipate future challenges.

Key takeaways

• Overall cancer mortality has declined markedly in the past two decades, but improvements are slowing in younger populations.
• Early-onset cancers, particularly colorectal and breast, are increasing in incidence and, in some cases, mortality.
• Screening gaps, cohort effects, and shifting risk factors are reshaping the cancer landscape and highlighting key implications and considerations for insurers.

Read more on RGA's insights into changing cancer mortality and incidence trends.