Macmillan launches campaign to help people 'work through cancer'

According to Macmillan Cancer Support, cancer patients and their managers are in the dark when it comes to returning to work or dealing with people affected by cancer in the workplace.

Today, 20 November 2007, the charity launches its 'Working Through Cancer' campaign with research revealing four in five (79%) people expect to go back to work should they be affected by cancer, and yet three in four (77%) wouldn't know where to get help to do so1.

Macmillan is highlighting the lack of advice and support currently available to people diagnosed with cancer and their employers and is carrying out extensive research into the issues facing those affected by cancer at work.

It is developing a range of support for employers and managers and providing information and advice for employees to help them make informed decisions about their health and work.

Ayesha Owusu-Barnaby, Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs at Macmillan Cancer Support, said; "Almost 100,000 people of working age will be diagnosed with cancer this year and financial pressures will force many people back to work before they can cope with the physical and mental after-effects of cancer.

"Our research shows one in three line managers would not be confident in managing someone who has been diagnosed with cancer1. It is essential that managers and employers are better equipped to deal with the issues which arise, and that those affected by cancer are given the right advice at the right time."
 
Macmillan is offering guidance for both employers and employees which is available from www.macmillan.org.uk/work or tel: 08000 898 500 and are calling on those affected by cancer in the workplace to share their experiences, good or bad, to help them improve the advice and support currently available.

For further information, please contact:
Rebecca Openshaw – Macmillan Cancer Support Press Office
020 7840 4699 or 07801 307068
openshaw@macmillan.org.uk