W
orking with
touch is of most importance (NICE
Cancer states that there
guidance), but it is equally important to
are approximately 900,000
keep checking in on those that remain in
people of working age living with cancer in the UK, a number, which is expected
By Janet O'Neill
to increase to 1,150,00 by 2030 with
Clinical Nurse Director PAM
Healthyworkinglives stating an extra 130 000 people are likely to want to return to work by then.
Work can be really important for those who have cancer as it can restore a
Director iOH RGN, dip OH, MSc
work (HealthyWorkinglives). Feeling isolated from the workplace or feeling unsupported can lead to difficulty in returning to work or remaining in work (DWP 2013).
Support with cancer needs to be truly person-centred as every cancer and
sense of normality and help with
treatment is individual and affects
financial wellbeing. However, the
people differently. The starting place is
symptoms and effects of cancer and
for managers to chat with the employee,
treatment can have a impact on the
which may be difficult for both parties.
workability of individuals. Employers
However, a manager's confidence can be
can do a lot to support individuals who
built by undertaking the Cancer and
are going through this, whether
Work eLearning from Macmillan, as this
remaining at work or becoming absent.
enables the manager to become better
For those becoming absent, keeping in
informed. Occupational Health can also ioh.org.uk
OH TODAY
37