Beyond Treatment: Manulife Launches First-of-its-Kind Cancer Coach

TORONTO, ON – March 25, 2026 – Manulife Canada is charting a new course in employee health benefits, becoming the first Canadian insurer to provide a comprehensive, personalized cancer support program that extends far beyond traditional clinical care. Through a strategic partnership with the global digital health provider Osara Health, Manulife is introducing the award-winning Cancer Coach™ program to a selection of its Group Benefits members, aiming to address the complex daily realities of living with cancer.

The initiative comes at a critical time. Cancer remains one of Canada's most pressing health challenges, with diagnoses projected to surpass 254,800 in 2025. With nearly one in two Canadians expected to develop cancer in their lifetime and 40% of diagnoses occurring during prime working years, the disease's impact on individuals, families, and the workplace is profound and far-reaching.

The Widening Gap in Cancer Care

A cancer diagnosis triggers a cascade of challenges that medical appointments and treatments alone cannot solve. Patients often grapple with debilitating fatigue, nutritional changes, mental and emotional distress, and the logistical nightmare of coordinating care while juggling work and family responsibilities. This gap between clinical treatment and holistic well-being is precisely what the new partnership aims to close.

"A cancer diagnosis changes everything for individuals and their families – at home, at work, and in daily routines," said Doug Bryce, Head of Health at Manulife Canada, in a press release. "It's time we broaden our focus and provide holistic support that helps members manage more aspects of this disease."

This sentiment reflects a growing consensus among public health experts: effective cancer care must be integrated, addressing the whole person, not just the disease. The economic toll on the Canadian workforce underscores this urgency. Cancer is a leading driver of long-term disability claims, with associated costs from absenteeism, presenteeism, and lost productivity placing a significant strain on employers. Manulife's initiative represents a proactive strategy to mitigate these costs by investing in the health and resilience of employees.

A Personalized Lifeline: Inside Cancer Coach™

The Cancer Coach™ program is designed to complement a patient's clinical care team by providing a dedicated, one-on-one human connection. Eligible Manulife members will be paired with a Canada-based cancer coach—a clinically experienced professional with a background in nursing, oncology nutrition, or exercise physiology. This coach serves as a personal guide and accountability partner, helping individuals navigate the non-medical complexities of their journey.

Participants gain access to a suite of digital tools and resources, including:

• Weekly Digital Education: Practical, evidence-informed guidance on managing symptoms and side effects like fatigue, sleep disruption, and stress.
• The Osara Health App: A tool for symptom logging, progress tracking, and accessing a library of resources.
• Personalized Return-to-Work Planning: Tailored support to help individuals navigate their return to the workplace at their own pace and with confidence.

"At Osara Health we believe the care experience shouldn't centre on treatment alone," noted Tim Atkins, co-founder of Osara Health. "Through our Cancer Coach program, we provide personalized support focused on the priorities that shape quality of life, including practical guidance, behaviour change, emotional support, and help navigating what comes next."

Evidence-Backed Innovation Sets a New Standard

Manulife's decision to partner with Osara Health is grounded in a robust evidence base. Osara Health, which recently expanded into Canada after significant success in the US and Asia-Pacific markets, has built its reputation on clinically validated outcomes. The program is supported by more than 11 published studies and has received numerous accolades, including being named one of TIME's Top HealthTech Companies in late 2025.

Research demonstrates the program's tangible impact. One study found that participation in the Cancer Coach program led to a 73% increase in return-to-work rates and reduced the average time away from work by five weeks. For insurers and employers, the data is equally compelling, with other studies showing a potential 10% reduction in long-term disability claims. Participants themselves report significant benefits, with one analysis showing 47% reporting improved physical health and 50% noting improved mental health.

By adopting this program, Manulife is not only offering a unique benefit but also making a strategic move in a competitive insurance landscape. While other major Canadian insurers provide support through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and disability case management, the Cancer Coach™ model represents a new level of specialized, integrated, and personalized care. This initiative could set a new benchmark for group benefits, pressuring competitors to enhance their own offerings for members with complex health needs.

A Pilot Program with National Implications

The Cancer Coach™ program will initially launch as a pilot for select Manulife Group Benefits members who have disability coverage. This targeted approach will allow the company to gather data and refine the offering before a potential broader rollout. The partnership aligns with the mission of the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global platform dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier lives.

By investing in a program that supports employees through one of the most difficult periods of their lives, Manulife is positioning itself as a leader in whole-person health. The success of this pilot could have significant implications, demonstrating a viable model for how private insurers can play a more proactive role in improving health outcomes, supporting workforce productivity, and ultimately, changing the way Canadians experience life with cancer.