Cancer support at work needs to begin before diagnosis, says Unum UK
Research from Reframe Cancer found employees took an average of 12 days off work due to symptoms or worry, and a further 16 days during testing and diagnosis.
Liz Walker, chief operating officer at Unum UK, said employees often face the ‘in-between’ stage before a cancer diagnosis at work, where uncertainty and lack of direction make it difficult to know what comes next.
Research from Reframe Cancer found employees took an average of 12 days off work due to symptoms or worry, and a further 16 days during testing and diagnosis.
One in three felt isolated at work during their cancer experience.
Around 90% of cancer referrals did not lead to a diagnosis, but still caused uncertainty.
Walker said: “The stage before diagnosis often happens while people are still trying to carry on with work, making decisions without clear direction, or knowing what comes next.
“Even when tests don’t turn into a diagnosis, which happens for around nine in 10 people, the period of testing and waiting can take a real toll.
“When there’s a gap at the beginning, confusion and anxiety can escalate quickly.”
Unum is introducing a personalised cancer navigation service for employees covered by its group income protection and group life products.
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