Why Workplaces Must Support Employees with Cancer

WTF Cancer: Why Your Job Is the First Thing You Worry About

One of the questions I’m often asked about my cancer journey, and something I truly wish I’d understood before being diagnosed, is just how many things we take for granted. Dealing with cancer is disorienting enough, but the sheer weight of uncertainty it places on your life is exhausting—physically, emotionally, and, perhaps most surprisingly, professionally.

I feel incredibly grateful and privileged that so many people, newly diagnosed, in treatment, or in remission, have reached out to me. They’re not necessarily checking in on me, but rather want a safe space to talk openly. One of the first, most terrifying questions they ask themselves is: “What’s going to happen to my job?”

Fear, Finances, and Five Weeks of Radiation

Before worrying about side effects or treatment plans, people immediately fear for their work stability and survival. This fear is palpable, especially among women I’ve spoken to—many of whom are sole breadwinners or business owners. They tell me, “I can’t afford to take time off work,” or worse, “I can’t tell my clients I’m sick.”

I had the opposite experience, actually. I was retrenched around the same time as my diagnosis, which meant I never had to juggle my schedule around work. But I remember a woman at the radiation clinic who was desperately trying to reschedule her five weeks of appointments around meetings. She kept saying, “I have to be available for work.” I just wondered: Do her employers even know? And couldn’t her workplace accommodate her?

The simple truth is, while there are countless ways companies can support employees through cancer, most don’t. Some simply don’t know how, but others frankly don’t care. And many people are simply too scared to speak up for fear of losing their job or being passed up for a promotion. It is completely unacceptable that we have to navigate the exhausting battle of cancer while simultaneously pretending we’re fine at work.

The WTF Cancer Call to Action

That’s why I’ve launched a campaign on my blog, WTF Cancer. This platform gives a voice to those silenced by fear, stigma, or discrimination. It promotes early detection, honest awareness, and, critically, practical support for people going through cancer. By supporting people from the start—because often they suspect something is wrong long before a diagnosis—and through recovery, we help them reclaim their lives and get back to work sooner.

Cancer is not simply three weeks off work. What if you need five weeks of radiation, like I did? What if your appointments get postponed, or your treatment needs to be rescheduled? Ticking boxes with standard sick leave isn’t enough. Companies need to recognise that cancer is an unpredictable, long-haul battle that demands flexibility.

The 10 Commandments of Workplace Support

If you are in a position of leadership, in HR, or just a caring colleague, here are some practical, common-sense ways your company can support staff. These changes aren’t just for cancer patients; they foster a workplace culture of empathy and trust that benefits all employees.

We need to see: flexible working hours, remote work options, and a designated HR support person who understands the nuances of the journey. Companies should offer extended paid medical leave and, crucially, adapted workloads without penalising performance. This must be coupled with regular, compassionate communication, and obvious mental health support or counselling. Finally, paying for time off for medical appointments and offering reintegration planning after treatment shows genuine care.

Loyalty Over Legality

Supporting employees through a cancer diagnosis isn’t just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. When staff feel genuinely supported during a crisis, they become incredibly loyal. They work harder, they feel safe, and other employees take notice. How you treat one person during a crisis shows everyone else what kind of leader or company you are. Let’s prioritise people, not just profits. I want to partner with brands and media platforms to advocate for this meaningful workplace support.

If you’re in HR, wellness, or leadership, and want to genuinely change the culture of cancer in the workplace, reach out.

If you’re facing cancer yourself, please don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help. You deserve it.

What’s the one thing you wish your workplace understood about managing a serious illness?

Comment: What happens to your job if you get cancer?

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