Third of people with cancer are of working age

Macmillan Cancer Support urges firms to do more to help workers

There has been a “significant rise” in the number of working aged adults with cancer, a charity has found.

Macmillan Cancer Support said that between 2010 and 2015 there was a 10% rise in the number of people aged 16 to 65 who are living with cancer.

Working aged people now make up more than a third (36%) of people living with a cancer diagnosis, the charity said.

In 2015 there were 890,000 people in this age bracket with cancer, up from 810,000 in 2010, according to the charity’s analysis.

The charity has called on employers to do more to help workers who have been diagnosed with cancer.

It said that many sufferers are unaware that their employer has a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments for them – such as flexible working hours or time off for medical appointments.

Liz Egan, the programme lead for Macmillan’s Working Through Cancer campaign, said: “Such a significant rise means more people than ever are facing the gruelling task of juggling their cancer, their jobs, and their financial commitments.

“Staying in work is important to the majority of people as it helps to retain a sense of normality that is essential to their emotional and physical wellbeing during cancer.

“Employers must be aware of their legal obligations under the Equality Act and ensure that there are appropriate policies and processes in place to best support their staff.”

Picture: PA. Wax figures of, from left, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Cambridge standing on a newly-unveiled set recreating the Buckingham Palace balcony at Madame Tussauds in London.