Myths about cancer
Globally, Cancer is now a very common diagnosis. One in two people are thought to develop cancer in their lifetime. Prostate, breast, bowel and lung cancer are some of the most diagnosed within the UK.
There are lots of different ways you can support a colleague with cancer but it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
1 – Cancer is contagious:
Not true!
Cancer, according to the NHS, is a condition where the cells in different parts of the body begin to grow and reproduce uncontrollably. These cells can destroy the healthy tissue that surrounds them including nearby organs which is referred to as metastasis.
To learn more: visit the NHS website.
You cannot catch cancer by sitting next to someone, sharing mugs or hugging. It’s completely safe to be near someone with cancer and in fact, your support could mean a lot to them. However, if someone is undergoing treatment, they may be more susceptible to colds or flu so it’s worth being careful if you are feeling under the weather. There are also types of radiotherapy that can mean someone is not safe to hug but if you are not sure, just ask!
2 – People with cancer are too sick to work:
Not always!
Every patient is different and so is their treatment. You may find that one person feels fine despite their diagnosis and would prefer to keep things as normal as possible by returning to work. Some may find their diagnosis more difficult so they need some space to come to terms with it.
Each person is different and it’s important to recognise this. As managers, have a conversation with a colleague about what reasonable adjustments they may need or how they would like to proceed.
3 – Cancer is not a disability
Not true!
The Equality Act 2010 applies to people with cancer or those who have had cancer in the past. When someone is diagnosed with cancer that is the minute they are classified as disabled. This is the same for HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis.
Each person with cancer is different and some people may not like to use the word disabled to describe their condition. However, they may at different times need extra time off, reasonable adjustments or extra support as their treatments take place or their condition changes.
4 -You have to tell an employer
Nope!
An employee doesn’t have to disclose that they are ill to you but it may make things easier if they do. You won’t be able to introduce changes to their workplace, hours or support them.
Creating an atmosphere in the workplace where people feel safe to disclose and supported when they do is essential. Keep anything discussed confidential and ask that person what they need and how you can help them.
5 – Someone with cancer will want to talk about it
Not always!
Everyone is different when it comes to their cancer diagnosis. It can come as a complete shock to some but others may have suspected it if they have symptoms or a family history. While some people may want to talk about their diagnosis, others may not at all.
The best way to approach this is to take your lead from the person with cancer themselves. Allow them to raise the conversation if they want to or avoid it if they want to. If you want to ask them how they are, then go ahead. Act normally, relax and accept the answer they give you without pushing for more information. Treat the person as you usually would. If you do want to be supportive, let them know you are there if they ever need a cuppa and a chat.
It may be important to discuss with that person if your role is in HR or if you are their line manager. Again, be led by how much the person wishes to disclose and don’t push for detail if it isn’t relevant. Ask if they need any reasonable adjustments, see what you can do to make their workplace/day easier for them and then check in once this is in place to see how they are.
Want to learn more about reasonable adjustments in the workplace? or the equality act? or what you can do as an employer to be more accessible? why not visit our training page to see what Disability Awareness Training could work for your business!
