Employers need to offer support to workers who are suffering from cancer, a
recent survey has suggested.
Cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Relief said seven out of 10 people working
with cancer felt it was very important for them to continue to work after being
diagnosed, as it gave them a sense of normality, boosted morale and maintained
self-esteem.
Half of the 165 people polled by Mori said colleagues had little or no
knowledge of cancer, its treatments or its side-effects. Despite this, eight
out of 10 sufferers (82 per cent) did feel colleagues had been very supportive.
About 21 per cent felt their bosses had reacted negatively when they had
told them they had cancer, with 13 per cent demanding they maintain their usual
workload.
The most frequently cited problems were fatigue (41 per cent), anxiety (39
per cent) and stress (30 per cent), with loss of concentration, depression and
pain affecting a substantial number of people.
Dr Jane Maher, chief medical officer at Macmillan Cancer Relief, said,
"It is worth remembering that some cancers are curable, and that people
can live with cancer for a number of years. Employers’ support during key
periods such as treatment or recuperation can make all the difference."
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