Cancer biggest cause of long-term disability claims in 2012: Unum
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Cancer was the largest cause of long-term disability claims last year for Unum Group, while maternity leave represented the largest percentage of short-term disability filings for the disability insurer in 2012.
In a statement Tuesday, Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Unum said cancer was the reason for 16% of its long-term claims last year, while back disorders represented 15.1% of such claims. Unidentified injuries were listed as the third largest cause of long-term claims for Unum.
Among Unum's short-term disability claims, maternity leave represented 18.9% of filings in 2012, while unidentified injuries accounted for 10.5% of such claims. Pregnancy complications contributed to 8.4% of short-term claims, Unum said.
Unum noted that companies can help employees with cancer transition back to work by offering accommodations such as creating flexible or reduced work schedules, or allowing extra break time to help with employee fatigue.
“Most people who have been diagnosed with cancer are very motivated to get back to work,” said Kristin Tugman, Unum's senior director of health and productivity, in a statement. “It helps create a sense of normalcy and control at a time when people often feel understandably overwhelmed.”
