When we think of caring for people with cancer, we mostly think about the need for treatment. But that need comes with a hidden price for some: Almost half of everyone diagnosed with cancer in the United States is in their working years, facing the need to juggle cancer, treatment, and work responsibilities.[i]
Six in 10 people with cancer have reported making job-related changes such as taking extended time off, switching to part-time work, or turning down a promotion because of their cancer.[ii]
The Purchaser Business Group on Health has been working on an effort to guide the business world on how to best support their employees and family members with cancer. They recently published a brand new issue brief on supportive cancer care in partnership with The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation and our team at the Healing Works Foundation.
The issue brief focuses on how purchasers can increase their employees’ access to evidence-based cancer care that addresses whole person needs and extends beyond clinical treatment to include an array of supportive services.
With evidence demonstrating how supportive care lowers medical costs, improves health outcomes, and delivers significant improvements to quality of work and life – the business case for organizations to adopt supportive cancer care is clear.
Read the full issue brief with recommendations here: https://www.pbgh.org/increasing-access-to-supportive-cancer-care-for-workers-families-and-caregivers/
[i] Blinder VS, Gany FM. Impact of Cancer on Employment. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Feb 1;38(4):302-309. doi: 10.1200/JCO.19.01856. Epub 2019 Dec 5. PMID: 31804857; PMCID: PMC6992498.
[ii] Jinnett KJ. Self-Reported Work Performance among Employees with Cancer: Implications for Employers. Value in Health. 2016 May;19(3): A161 – A162.
Photo by Thirdman