Data from the first nine months of Reframe Cancer and Benenden Health’s cancer navigation and support service has revealed that breast cancer and prostate cancer are the two highest cancers where members sought help with diagnosis and support, standing at 35% and 20% respectively, followed by lung cancer (8.5%) and myeloma (5%).
The partnership has seen Benenden Health’s 875,000 members gain access to Reframe Cancer’s CQC-regulated cancer services. It went live on 1st July 2025, with the data collected from this time until 31st March 2026.
Analysis showed that 11% of members who have used the service so far are aged between 40 and 49, 19% are aged 50-59, and 30% are between 60 and 69 years old. In total, 61% are aged under 60, with one in five (20%) aged 70-79 and 18% aged 80-89.
The data also found that 45% of members enrol at the treatment stage and 35% at the diagnosis stage, while 12% enrol at the post-treatment or living with cancer stage, 6% enrol at the pre-diagnosis stage, and 1% enrol post GP referral.
In terms of accessing the service, 61% enrolled through the portal and 39% enrolled via telephone. 66% of members who used the service so far were women, compared to 34% who were men.
Looking at some of the regional differences, 23% of members who used the service were from London, 14% were from Kent, and 13% were from Belfast.
"When we started our partnership with Benenden Health, our joint aim was to make affordable, clinically regulated cancer care accessible to as many people as possible," Mark Stephenson, CEO at Reframe Cancer, said.
"The data shows we have done just that. Younger and older members are using the service, and we are helping with clinical guidance and navigation across an array of cancers from breast cancer through to myeloma. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and one in two adults in the UK will get cancer during their lifetime.
"There is an increasing need to help provide patients with an affordable cancer care and navigation solution. This is especially true in light of the recent delivery of the NHS National Cancer Plan, which has some bold targets and aspirations around diagnosis and improving treatment times.
"Whilst we hope these are met, it will take several more years to reach them, so workable, cost-effective solutions that can be accessed easily by people of any age, whether they have access to digital resources or not, must be available to ensure everyone can access the best cancer care possible."
Dr Cheryl Lythgoe, nurse consultant at Benenden Health, added: "As clinicians, we see every day how overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can be, not only for the individual but for their families too.
"The early data shows that our members are actively seeking trusted, clinically regulated guidance at the moments they need it most, particularly around breast and prostate cancer. Having Reframe Cancer’s CQC‑regulated nurse specialists available means our 875,000 members can access clear, compassionate support throughout diagnosis and treatment, regardless of their age or confidence with digital services.
"This partnership ensures that no one has to navigate the complexity of cancer care alone, and as national cancer services work towards ambitious targets, the strong engagement we’re seeing highlights just how vital accessible, personalised cancer support is."
