World Cancer Day

This year, World Cancer Day highlights that every cancer experience is unique, and workplaces must respond accordingly.

Today we observe World Cancer Day, which takes place on 4 February each year. The day unites people around the world to raise awareness of cancer, promote prevention, early detection and treatment, and amplify the voices of those whose lives are changed by a cancer diagnosis.

This year that message is more urgent than ever. Cancer is no longer a rare workplace issue. It affects millions of employees globally – either directly or through caring for a loved one – and its impact on working lives, productivity and wellbeing is growing.

At the same time, advances in research, treatment and survivorship care mean more people are living longer, fuller lives with and beyond cancer. This makes the role of workplaces and colleagues even more important.

COMPASSIONATE CANCER CONVERSATIONS

The World Cancer Day theme for 2026, United by Unique, places people at the heart of cancer care and conversations. Led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the campaign mobilises organisations and individuals worldwide to ensure that the voices of people affected by cancer are heard, and used to drive a more compassionate, people-centred approach to care.

Now in its second year, United by Unique is moving beyond awareness into reflection and local action, encouraging healthcare systems, employers and communities to show how care can be accessible, inclusive and responsive to individual needs. It recognises the person behind the diagnosis – their values, background, family responsibilities, working life and preferences – not just their clinical pathway.

As Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, explains: “The experiences of people affected by cancer – whether as a person living with cancer, a caregiver, a loved one, or a health worker – offer insight into the human side of care. They represent an invaluable and critical source of knowledge that must inform cancer policies and services, alongside clinical evidence.”

CANCER: A GLOBAL WORKFORCE ISSUE

Cancer remains one of the defining health challenges of our time, and the latest data shows why workplaces cannot afford to ignore it. Global cancer statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) show that:

  • Globally, cancer is responsible for around 20 million new cases each year and over 10 million deaths.
  • WHO estimates that 53.5 million people worldwide are living within five years of a cancer diagnosis.
  • Annual new cancer cases are projected to rise to 30–35 million by 2050, largely due to population growth and ageing.
  • Around one in five people globally will develop cancer during their lifetime.

These figures mean millions of people are balancing cancer treatment, recovery or caring responsibilities alongside work.

COUNTRY-SPECIFIC CANCER STATISTICS

US Cancer Statistics from the American Cancer Society, reveal that: 

  • In 2026, the United States is projected to record approximately 2,114,850 new cancer diagnoses. 
  • An estimated 626,140 people are expected to die from cancer this year
  • Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death and long-term workforce disruption

UK Cancer Statistics, from Macmillan Cancer Support, show that:

  • Around 3.5 million people in the UK are now living with cancer, up from around 3 million in 2020.
  • Someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer roughly every 90 seconds.
  • Cancer remains the leading cause of death, accounting for around one in four deaths.

The impact of these statistics on the workplace is significant on both sides of the Atlantic, particularly due to long-term absence and caring responsibilities.

HOPE AND PROGRESS

While these numbers are sobering, there is also real cause for optimism. Advances in early detection, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, personalised medicine and supportive care mean that outcomes for many cancers have improved significantly over recent decades. In many countries, cancer survival rates continue to rise, and more people are able to live well with cancer as a long-term chronic illness, and return to work after treatment.

This progress matters, but it also changes the conversation. As more people live longer with and beyond cancer, the need for flexible working, understanding managers, supportive colleagues and long-term adjustments, becomes more common, not less.

In other words, better treatments do not reduce the need for workplace support, they increase its importance. Cancer affects a significant proportion of the workforce – directly and indirectly – yet much of its impact remains hidden.

WORKING WITH CANCER

Some employees must disclose their diagnosis because of treatment, absence or the need for adjustments. Others choose not to. Many carers quietly manage work alongside hospital appointments, emotional strain and practical care.

This makes clear, visible and accessible support essential. New research conducted in January 2026 for GRiD highlights growing concern. The research found that 56% of employers are worried about serious ill-health, including cancer, affecting their workforce. At an employee level, 25% of over-60s and 15% of the working population overall are concerned about serious illness.

“Cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges facing today’s workforce, yet for many employers its true impact is still only partially visible,” shared Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD. “This research highlights the scale of concern and the opportunity for employers to do more to ensure every individual feels supported and able to access the help they need.”

WHY WORKPLACE CANCER SUPPORT MATTERS

Work is about far more than income. It provides routine, purpose, identity and social connection, all of which can be disrupted by cancer. There are many benefits of providing a supportive workplace culture to support employees struggling with cancer, or any other chronic illness. When employers get cancer support right:

  • Employees can remain connected to work in ways that suit fluctuating health.
  • Financial and emotional stress is reduced.
  • Recovery and return-to-work outcomes improve.
  • Experienced talent is retained.
  • Carers are better supported, resulting in reduced burnout.

However, the consequences of not supporting employees, often result in:

  • Increase in long-term absence.
  • Rise in presenteeism, harming recovery and productivity.
  • Carers struggling in silence.
  • Organisations losing talent, skills, knowledge and trust.

WORKING LIFE AFTER CANCER TREATMENT 

Evidence from RedArc shows that cancer survivors often need more support than expected, particularly after treatment ends. Over the past five years, RedArc found that:

  • Referrals to specialist support organisations are needed twice as often for people with cancer.
  • People affected by cancer require 31% more resources than non-cancer cases.
  • Needs extend beyond medical care to emotional, social and practical support.

“Getting life back on track, returning to work and/or normal activities is not always straightforward,” explain Christine Husbands, commercial consultant at RedArc. “Many people need support as they adjust, yet they often find that support suddenly disappears after the all-clear.”

WELLBEING FOCUS ON SERIOUS ILLNESSES

Yet, despite rising cancer rates and improving survival, the latest research from Everywhen shows that only 17% of employers are planning to focus their wellbeing strategy on serious illnesses such as cancer this year.

“We need to focus our efforts on cancer and ensure support for employees is appropriate,” urged Debra Clark, Head of Wellbeing at Everywhen. “Lifestyle support and screening are essential benefits, but they will only make an impact on prevention and early diagnosis if the risks are understood.”

WHO estimates that around 40% of cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes – all areas where employer support can play a meaningful role.

HOW EMPLOYERS CAN SUPPORT EMPLOYEES

According to data from Everywhen, serious medical conditions such as cancer account for 27% of long-term absences and 8% of short-term absences among UK employers, so it makes sense for employers to provide meaningful and practical support.

There are many ways employers can provide support, ranging from prevention and education through to access to treatment, second medical opinions, specialist oncologists, lifestyle support including fitness and nutrition, and financial support, from the point of diagnosis through to ongoing assistance.

It is essential that cancer support is comprehensive, visible and easy to access, especially for those who may be managing their cancer journey quietly, under the radar of their employer. Meaningful workplace support also includes:

  • Normalising flexibility for treatment, recovery and caring responsibilities.
  • Training managers to have confident, compassionate conversations.
  • Supporting carers explicitly, not just those with a diagnosis.
  • Promoting benefits clearly and repeatedly, not once a year.
  • Focusing on prevention, screening and early diagnosis.
  • Ensuring support continues after treatment ends.

Cancer is not just a medical issue, it is a workplace issue, a societal issue and a human issue. The good news is that progress is being made. Treatments are improving. Survival is increasing. More people are living and working with and beyond cancer. However, workplaces must keep pace.

“Cancer touches each person in their own way. Some need support at the very start, some partway through, some after treatment ends, and some from the first moment to the last. Support should never be something people stumble across by chance or discover halfway along. It should be visible, clear, and present from the beginning, ready for anyone who chooses to lean on it,” concluded Moxham.

On World Cancer Day 2026, employers and colleagues have an opportunity to listen, act and ensure that no one affected by cancer feels invisible or unsupported at work. Because when care is people-centred, visible and consistent, everyone benefits.

RESOURCES FOR CANCER SUPPORT 

Cancer can feel overwhelming, whether someone has been diagnosed themselves, is caring for a loved one, or is supporting a colleague. Knowing where to turn for trusted information and support can make a meaningful difference. The following organisations offer reliable guidance, services and connections across countries and communities.

 Global and International Cancer Resources

UK Cancer Resources

  • Macmillan Cancer Support
    Practical, emotional, financial and work-related support for people living with cancer and their carers.
  • Cancer Research UK
    Information on cancer types, prevention, screening and treatment.

US Cancer Resources

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