The 2026 Cancer and Careers Best Companies for Working with Cancer Index is based on responses to 13 dimensions that shape workplace benefits and programs for employees managing cancer and other serious health conditions.

Each dimension is scored on a 0–100-point scale, with differentiated weighting based on complexity and impact, resulting in an aggregate score that recognizes both foundational competency and specialized excellence.

Central to the Index is the employee voice. Insights from more than 800 employees — including those managing cancer and other serious health conditions, and many serving as caregivers — identify which programs and practices have the greatest impact on their lived experiences, and where opportunities lie.

Using importance ratings and impact scores directly from both employees managing cancer and from a general population of employees, the programs that employees rate as most valuable to their wellbeing and work success are systematically weighted higher in the overall scoring methodology. This dual-perspective, employee-inclusive weighting ensures the Index benchmarks companies on what matters most: both to those currently navigating serious health conditions and to those who value knowing robust support is in place.

The Index methodology recognizes that organizations are at different stages in their workplace support journey and ensures that scoring reflects not only what organizations offer, but also how those offerings resonate with and serve employees. The Index honors both “Implementers,” who have built strong cultural foundations, and “Builders,” who are rapidly developing systematic support infrastructure. Dimensions are weighted based on their differentiation power and impact on employee outcomes, with specialized support and cultural dimensions receiving emphasis over baseline compliance elements.

Begin survey here: https://beyondinsights.com/cac-best-companies-survey

For specific questions, please reach out to cacbestcompanies@cew.org.