How virtual care provides an unexpected advantage in cancer prevention, diagnosis and ongoing support.
By Carol Walter, RN, Senior Director, Solution Strategy, Teladoc Health
Employers and health plans are facing a growing cancer crisis that threatens both member wellbeing and healthcare budgets. More than two million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year, driving medical costs to exceed $246 billion by 2030.
Yet too many people delay or skip critical screenings. We all have those “I’ll get to it later” health to-dos: scheduling a check-up, booking a mammogram or mailing in that at-home screening kit. Life gets busy. But when it comes to cancer, “later” can be too late.
While many still associate virtual care with urgent issues or one-time visits, an integrated virtual approach connects members with trusted primary care providers, increases screening access and drives higher engagement in preventive care.
Roughly 30–50% of cancer cases are preventable, and early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Just four types of cancer—breast, cervical, colorectal and lung—have a screening test recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Together, these four account for about one-third of all cancer diagnoses.
Despite clear guidelines, screening rates remain startlingly low:
These missed screenings often stem from logistical challenges—not from a lack of concern. Virtual care helps overcome those obstacles with a smarter, simpler path to prevention.
With Teladoc Health’s Primary360, members choose a dedicated primary care provider from a diverse national network. This relationship-driven, virtual-first approach integrates preventive care into everyday life, which is especially valuable for members managing mental health concerns, chronic conditions or lifestyle risk factors—all of which affect cancer risk and outcomes.
Our providers follow the strictest clinical protocols and comply with preventative service guidelines established by the USPSTF, as well as those from the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Cancer Society and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
According to Teladoc Health data from 2021 to 2023, 68% of eligible Primary360 members completed a screening for breast, cervical or colorectal cancer.1
With proactive care, many more cancers can be caught in the earliest, most treatable stages. Early detection leads to:
For a large commercial fully insured plan leveraging Teladoc Health Primary360, 72% of eligible members completed colorectal cancer screening and 80% completed breast cancer screening.
When a cancer diagnosis does occur, members need more than medical care—they need clarity, support and compassion. This starts with trusted referrals to high-quality specialists, guided by data and coordinated by a care team that understands the urgency and complexity of cancer care.
Teladoc Health ensures timely referrals to top-performing, in-network specialists and provides expert second opinions when there’s uncertainty. Cancer is one of the leading reasons members seek second opinions. When clinically necessary, our Expert Medical Services team can retest pathology tissue samples to verify a diagnosis and ensure the treatment is accurate. These analyses often lead to changes in diagnosis or treatment—resulting in an average savings of $45,000 per case and, more importantly, peace of mind.
Support doesn’t stop at diagnosis. Our care continues through treatment and beyond, addressing the full picture of health. From mental health support to ongoing management of comorbidities that can affect cancer outcomes, Teladoc Health surrounds each member with personalized, connected care every step of the way.
We hear a lot about treating cancer—but not nearly enough about preventing it. While cancer may be one of the biggest health challenges of our time, it’s also one of the most addressable when we act early.
For employers and health plans, the opportunity lies in shifting from reactive to proactive care. Virtual primary care is uniquely positioned to lead that shift, closing screening gaps, guiding healthier choices and driving measurable savings.
With the right guidance, the right tools and the right care model, more people can take control of their health before cancer takes control of them.
It’s time to stop skipping the self-care that matters most.
1. Teladoc Health Internal Data, 2025; Primary360 Impact Report.
