# The hidden cost of cancer care gaps and how to close them | Evernorth
Canonical URL: https://biopharmsignal.com/news/ESRX/the-hidden-cost-of-cancer-care-gaps-and-how-to-close-them-evernorth-6de77d46
Ticker: ESRX
Company: Express Scripts（ESI）
Source: Express Scripts（ESI）
Published: 2026-07-09 00:03 EST
Original Source URL: https://www.express-scripts.com/corporate/newsroom
## Summary

Discover how coordinated cancer care, early detection, and member navigation help improve outcomes, reduce costs, and close care gaps.

## Article Body
Behind every cancer diagnosis is a person facing one of life's most frightening experiences, often confused about next steps, uncertain where to turn, and racing against time.

In 2026, more than 2 million Americans are likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and the incidence rate for common cancers continues to rise. At the same time, cancer care costs are projected to reach $246 billion by 2030, up 34% since 2015. As millions of people face cancer diagnosis and treatment every year, it’s essential to close the gaps in care coordination that contribute to higher costs and poorer outcomes for members and health plans alike.

Where cancer coordination gaps occur

Despite existing oncology management programs, significant coordination gaps remain across the cancer care continuum:

Cancer Screening and early detection: Whether due to limited health literacy or access barriers— 94% of Americans report facing obstacles to preventive care—many members remain unaware they're overdue for recommended cancer screenings. Without proactive screening outreach , members miss the early detection window, when treatment is most effective and costs can be 3-5 times lower .

Speed to diagnosis: After an abnormal screening result, members are often left to navigate the diagnostic process without the benefit of dedicated cancer care navigation support. They face the daunting tasks of understanding their benefits, locating in-network specialists, and coordinating appointments across multiple providers. This contributes to a 22-week average from screening to diagnosis, resulting in missed treatment opportunities, increased risk of cancer spread, more complications, and more costly care—and every four-week delay in treatment increases mortality risk by 6-8% .

Treatment initiation and coordination: Once diagnosed, to improve health outcomes for cancer patients members need swift connection to appropriate oncologists and evidence-based treatment pathways. Instead, administrative burdens can create delays that extend time to treatment while consuming provider resources, and treatments may not align with evidence-based best practices for the member’s diagnosis.

Ongoing supportive care: Between oncology appointments, members frequently lack coordinated support for symptom management and behavioral health needs. This gap results in more emergency room visits and hospital stays. However, patients in supportive oncology programs experience up to 70% fewer inpatient admissions and 54% fewer ER visits than those without structured support.

These gaps in cancer care create measurable quality and cost challenges for health plans. They translate to higher medical costs, increased member dissatisfaction, and missed opportunities for early intervention.

How coordinated cancer care improves outcomes

Closing these gaps requires more than piecemeal solutions—it demands integrated support across the entire cancer journey. The most effective programs combine proactive screening outreach with guided diagnostic navigation, streamlined treatment pathways, and 24/7 supportive care coordination to ensure no member falls through the cracks.

This coordinated model delivers measurable impact: faster time to diagnosis and treatment, reduced administrative burden for providers, fewer ER visits and hospitalizations, and improved member experience during one of life’s most challenging moments. Evidence-based treatment pathways alone have demonstrated the potential to save nearly $10,000 per member annually in out-of-pocket medical costs.

Programs like Evernorth’s Precision Path demonstrate this approach in practice. From initial screening outreach through remission support, coordinated care navigation eliminates the typical gaps while improving both member experience and clinical outcomes.

Download the infographic to see Kay’s story and explore how coordinated care can improve cancer outcomes.
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