Legal & General has revealed that nearly two thirds (60%) of its critical illness claims during 2014 were cancer related.
A total of 1,635 cancer related claims were paid by the insurer. This was an increase from 1,550 cancer claims in 2013 - this represented 59% of all claims.
Breast cancer was by far the most prevalent form of cancer with 34.7% reporting a diagnosis with bowel (8.3%) and skin (7.1%) the next most common.
The figures come as the insurer prepares to unite with cancer charities to support World Cancer Day on 4th February 2015.
Mark Holweger, managing director, intermediated, Legal & General Assurance Society says: "Sadly as our stats show there is still much work to be done in the battle against cancer. It is for that reason we are fully behind World Cancer Day on 4th February 2014 as it attempts to raise awareness around this terrible illness.
"We work closely with organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support to try and spread awareness of the impact it can have on people. According to Cancer Research UK one in two* people will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime and sadly many more will be touched by it via family or friends."
Russell Whitworth, underwriting and claims director, insurance at Legal & General said "We know the devastating impact that cancer has on people's lives. Our aim is to pay as many claims as quickly as possible. With advances in medical science more people are surviving a critical illness but it also means that they will need some form of financial support to help them during their treatment, recovery and in some cases to help them live with their illness.
"Government, health organisations, charities, Insurers and related industries must continue to raise public understanding of the disease and help give people accurate information and advice on how to reduce the risks of it developing. Great work is done through initiatives like World Cancer Day but we must not stop trying to reduce the impact cancer can have on all lives."
