Chloe Angus, Corporate Wellbeing Manager at Cavendish Cancer Care talks about having compassionate conversations about cancer in the workplace, and why they are important.
Many more will need to be on the listening end whilst a colleague, friend or loved one discusses their cancer diagnosis. A recent study found that half of people diagnosed with cancer are afraid to share their situation with employers, yet 92% thought that a supportive employer would positively impact their health.
Employers should be taking proactive steps to ensure that staff are ready to deal with these sorts of difficult conversations. That’s why Cavendish Cancer Care has signed up to the Working with Cancer Pledge, an international campaign which calls on company leaders to help reduce the stigma of cancer in the workplace and provide a more supportive culture at work for all employees with cancer.
You can find out more about the pledge at the Working with Cancer Pledge website, which also contains, which also contains some useful resources and advice.
As part of the work I do supporting companies with employee wellbeing, I often undertake training on having difficult conversations. My top tips for having a conversation with someone with cancer are:
Remember everyone is different. Avoid making assumptions about how they may be feeling or how they may want to act.
Centre the conversation on them. Avoid bringing in your own experience (unless asked) or your own feelings and opinions.
Avoid giving advice about alternative cures or healthy eating. Listen to and respect their experience.
Think about the language you use. Much of the language around cancer can be combative; this can inadvertently make the person feel guilty for not “beating it” or “fighting”.
"It’s okay to be upset. Just acknowledge that the conversation is upsetting and come back to it another time when you are feeling better or perhaps take a walk whilst you chat instead."
At Cavendish Cancer Care we are perfectly placed to help your company launch your own #workingwithcancer pledge and learn how to better support your employees. With our help, you can empower your teams to feel confident having difficult conversations, whether that’s around cancer or other issues such as mental health.
We can offer Cancer Conversation sessions, which are particularly useful for company leaders and people working in HR teams, whilst our wider mental health training also touches on the skills needed to help employees during difficult times. Contact me to find out more about how we can help!
Cavendish Wellbeing, part of Cavendish Cancer Care, provide wellbeing services to local businesses including bespoke online platforms, Mental Health First Aid, focus talks and guided sessions. This service helps to provide Cavendish Cancer Care with funds to continue delivering essential support to those affected by cancer in the local community.
