Supporting employees with cancer

Cancer is defined as a disability under the Equality Act 2010³, so there are legal and moral obligations to consider as an employer.
Having a robust, fair, and flexible wellbeing plan in place can help your employees feel supported. It also has the potential to reduce strain on your business.
With patients often working through cancer treatment, making reasonable adjustments is key to maintaining a strong bond between an employee and their team. Keeping the lines of communication open is essential in providing meaningful support. 

_{3. Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 - GOV.UK}

Cancer that’s diagnosed at an early stage, when it isn’t too large and hasn’t spread, is more likely to be treated successfully. 
Yet the total number of cancer patients first seen as an emergency inpatient in hospital in England increased from 69,423 (in Jan-March 2022) to 71,589 (in July-Sept 2022)⁴. 
Businesses are in an optimal position to raise awareness about signs, symptoms, and self-checking. Educational programmes and employee seminars can all help. 
Quick access to primary care, such as the opportunity to use an online GP service, can all help reach a diagnosis sooner. 
By proactively offering these avenues as a business, your employees can be aware of symptoms to look out for, helping them know when to get checked.

_{4. Emergency Presentations of Cancer: Quarterly Data, Q4 2021/22 to Q2 2022/23 (January to September 2022) - NHS England Digital}

For some patients, work can help play an important role in the road to recovery, by creating a sense of normality. This can subsequently have a positive effect on their mental health.
25% of those surveyed in our latest Mind Health Report are affected by anxiety, stress or depression at severe or more extreme levels.⁵ It’s never been more important for businesses to consider how they can better support their employees.
Businesses can set up several supportive measures, such as counselling, flexible working and wellness and fitness programmes. This can expand to include employees who are caring for someone with cancer. 

_{5. AXA Mind Health Report research was conducted between 8 October and 11 November 2024 in 16 countries among representative samples of the population aged 18 - 75 in each country (1,000 in each)}

It’s estimated that around 4 in 10 cancer cases could be prevented mostly through lifestyle changes⁶, which means there could be an opportunity to make a difference. 
Businesses are in a prime position to help influence the lifestyle habits of their workforce. By offering an engaging health and wellbeing programme, organisations can encourage their workforce to eat well, exercise more and find ways to help keep their minds and bodies healthy. 
The good news is the recent cultural shift towards wellbeing means that many employees may be more receptive towards help. But it doesn’t have to end there. Being more direct with awareness and education-driven activities on topics such as smoking, and sun exposure can also help.
Some people may overlook cancer symptoms due to fear and a lack of understanding. There's an active role that employers can play in helping employees be a bit more aware and active when it comes to cancer.

_{6. Causes of cancer | How to reduce the risk of cancer Cancer Research UK}