View of cancer sufferers outdated

Many employers have an outdated view of how cancer affects workers, according to research published by the Society of Occupational Medicine. Earlier diagnosis and improvements in treatment mean many more cancer sufferers can return to work yet many employers have negative views that don’t tally with cancer patients’ own experiences.

The study, from the scientific journal Occupational Medicine, looked at the perceptions of managers and employers and compared them with the views of cancer survivors. It found large discrepancies. Employers consistently held more negative beliefs about the impact cancer would have on someone’s ability to remain in or return to work.

One hundred thousand people of working age are diagnosed with cancer each year and the study says that, for many, remaining in or returning to work, after or during treatment, is important.

Advice is currently available for small businesses as the government is piloting occupational health advice lines. These can be contacted on the following numbers: England: 0800 0 77 88 44, Scotland: 0800 019 2211, Wales: 0800 107 0900.