BT says its early intervention cancer assistance program has seen 86% of participants improve their function since its launch in January last year.

Some 28 out of 35 people have returned to work or are expected to do so in the first half of the year under the program, while the wait between a claim and the start of health support has been reduced from nine to five months, the life insurer says.

Thirteen clients have returned to work in full duties since the completion of their programs, while 12 clients with continuing programs have returned on full or partial duties.

The program provides access to a health coach and support around sleep hygiene, exercise and healthy eating, plus community engagement.

About 90% of clients are satisfied with the claims experience, BT says.

The program recently won an innovation award at the Financial Services Council’s Life Insurance Awards.

“Offering health support earlier gives clients with cancer a better chance at getting their lives back on track,” BT Head of Claims Life Insurance Neil Borthwick said. “The initial results, which show that most participants return to work on full or partial duties, are very encouraging, and inspire us to do more with this tailored approach.”