Addressing the societal impact of women’s cancer – how AIA Australia is leading prevention, support, and recovery

ARTICLE

1 May 2026

3 min read

Cancer remains a major health challenge affecting individuals, families, and entire communities. At AIA Australia, internal claims data continues to show a clear gender difference: cancer represents 25% of all lodged claims for women, compared to 18% for men. It is also the third leading cause of Income Protection claims for women (21%) and fourth for men (13%).

This disparity becomes even more pronounced when looking at specific types of cancer.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women, accounting for around 50% of cancer-related Income Protection claims and 10% of all AIA Australia Income Protection claims made by women.

The financial and emotional burden is substantial: breast cancer alone makes up 10% of all Death claims for women, while Ovarian cancer represents 3% of all Death claims.

These figures highlights the significant impact of cancer on women's health, financial security, and overall quality of life.

Closing the retirement equity gap for women affected by cancer

The disproportionate effect of cancer on working women has long-term implications for their financial security and retirement savings. Many individuals diagnosed with cancer face reduced ability to return to work, showing varied return-to-work outcomes and significant employment disruption due to symptoms, treatment side effects, and workplace barriers.

AIA Embrace is helping change this trajectory. Customers who participate in the cancer recovery programs offered through AIA Embrace are 73% more likely to return to work, doing so 16.5 weeks earlier on average. This supports not only financial security, but also purpose, confidence, and independence.

AIA Australia continues to address the societal impact of women’s cancer through a comprehensive approach that covers prevention, early detection, treatment support, and recovery.

Cancer prevention Initiatives through AIA Vitality

AIA Vitality remains a key driver of prevention through its incentives for cancer screenings and health assessments. In 2025, AIA Vitality members completed almost 6,550+ cancer screenings and over 21,700+ health checks, supporting earlier detection and proactive health management.

Cancer recovery and On-Claim support through AIA Embrace

Delivered in partnership with Osara Health, the Cancer Coach program provides personalised educational and emotional support for customers diagnosed with cancer. Participants report an 83% improvement in health goals, and the program has led to a 35% increase in engagement with other support services including tailored exercise physiology programs, wellness programs, and return-to-work support.

This integrated support model enhances wellbeing and contributes to more successful recovery outcomes.

Community partnerships supporting women’s cancer research and awareness

As the exclusive life and health insurance partner of Australia's Mother's Day Classic, AIA Australia proudly supports fundraising for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, demonstrating our commitment to being part of the solution.

By supporting these organisations, we aim to accelerate early detection and improve health outcomes, ensuring women can access better treatment options, guidance, and support when they need it most. Our goal is to empower women to take charge of their health and financial wellbeing, creating real and lasting impact in their lives.

As a leader in the insurance industry, AIA Australia is setting a new standard for how companies can support customers and communities in the fight against cancer. Through the AIA Embrace program and our ongoing efforts, AIA Australia continues to pave the way for a future where women's health, resilience, and financial security are prioritised, and where the burden of cancer is meaningfully reduced.

Staff Writer

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2026 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

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