The rise of “older” health conditions in younger workers, and what HR can do about it 

Opinion Piece By Vicky Walker, Chief People Officer at Westfield Health   

Workplaces are facing a wellbeing shift that employers can’t ignore. Health conditions once seen as issues of later life – including type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer – are affecting more people in their 20s and 30s. 

For HR leaders, this means prevention, early diagnosis and accessible healthcare should be integral to today’s people strategy, not something reserved for older workers. 

Rising incidence under 40 

National Diabetes Audit data shows more than 139,000 people under 40 in England and Wales are now living with type 2 diabetes. That figure has increased by nearly 19 per cent in five years. 

For cancer, research published in the British Journal of Cancer reports a 59 per cent rise in bowel (colorectal) cancer among 25–49-year-olds in England between 2001 and 2017. Global data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer indicates a similar pattern, with early-onset colorectal cancer increasing by around 6 per cent a year in adults under 50. 

The numbers remain comparatively low next to older age groups, but the trend is clear enough to require employer attention. 

Why younger workers delay seeking help 

Cancer Research UK (2024) found that only 48 per cent of 18–29-year-olds who experienced possible cancer symptoms contacted their GP within six months. Among people aged 50 and above, the figure rises to 64 per cent. 

Online discussions echo this reluctance. Young adults often describe delaying checks because they assumed symptoms were benign or stress-related. On platforms such as Reddit and TikTok, late-diagnosis stories attract thousands of comments urging early medical advice. 

These first-person accounts point to a persistent awareness gap, even among employees who have access to healthcare benefits. 

What rising early-onset conditions mean for employers 

Younger employees living with long-term conditions may need flexible working patterns, time for investigations and treatment, and clarity about the support available to them. Without this, health issues risk becoming more serious, with a direct impact on wellbeing, attendance and productivity. 

For employers, proactive healthcare access must form part of a resilience strategy. Early checks give employees the best chance of identifying health issues while they are manageable. 

How PHI and preventative care can support the workforce 

Private Health Insurance (PHI) helps employees access treatment once a condition has been identified. However, many early-stage and preventative services sit within health cash plans. Together, these benefits can encourage earlier action. 

Depending on provider and policy, a cash plan may offer: 

• Virtual GP appointments – rapid consultation for early symptoms. 

• Health assessments and screenings – including blood glucose checks, cholesterol tests and bowel health consultations. 

• Diagnostics and specialist referrals – quicker access to tests, reducing delays and uncertainty. 

Many employees remain unaware of what their benefits cover. Clear communication is essential. 

Practical steps for HR leaders 

• Normalise early checks. Encourage all employees to seek medical advice for persistent changes. Awareness campaigns, internal communications and wellbeing weeks can help shift attitudes. 

• Promote access routes. Ensure employees know how to book virtual GP appointments, screenings or diagnostics. Delays often happen because people do not know where to start. 

• Train line managers. Provide guidance on having sensitive conversations about health and on signposting appropriate support. 

• Use health insights. Review anonymised health data from surveys or benefits providers to identify emerging trends and adapt support accordingly. 

Building a healthier future workforce 

Younger employees are facing health risks that previous generations typically encountered later in life. Employers can play a crucial role by encouraging earlier engagement with healthcare, offering accessible screening options and creating a culture where seeking help is normal. 

Investing in preventative care, fast access to diagnostics and open communication will support healthier employees and more resilient organisations for the long term.