Cancer and Work: Moving Onward with Compassion and Workplace Wellbeing

A cancer diagnosis is life-changing. It affects health, relationships, and daily life in profound ways. Yet, one area that often goes under-discussed is the impact of cancer in the workplace.

In a powerful episode of the Headtorch Wellbeing Hour, we spoke with Tara Ferguson, founder of Onward With You, about her lived experience of cancer and her mission to improve workplace wellbeing for those navigating treatment, recovery, and beyond.

Cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed—it ripples into families, friendships, and workplaces

Cancer’s Ripple Effect

Tara highlighted how cancer extends far beyond the individual. For employers, this means recognising that cancer is not just a health issue—it is also a workplace mental health issue. Colleagues may be impacted emotionally, teams may feel uncertain, and leaders may not know the “right” way to support someone. Ignoring this reality doesn’t make it go away. Instead, it can amplify feelings of isolation for the person affected.

The worst thing you can do is avoid the conversation. Silence is isolating

The Power of Conversation

One of the most striking takeaways from Tara’s story was the importance of open, compassionate dialogue. Too often, managers avoid discussing cancer with employees out of fear of saying the wrong thing. But silence, Tara explained, can feel like abandonment.

Workplace wellbeing is not about having perfect answers—it’s about showing care, listening without judgement, and being human. Simply asking, “How are you today?” can open the door to meaningful support.

Flexibility is everything—sometimes people can work, sometimes they can’t. Support has to adapt.

Flexibility is Key

Tara spoke about the unpredictable nature of treatment and recovery. Some days are good, others are not. Employers who insist on rigid processes risk pushing people out of work unnecessarily.

Instead, flexible working arrangements—reduced hours, adaptable workloads, or remote options—allow people to contribute when they can, without fear of failure. Workplace policies should reflect the reality that no two cancer journeys are the same.

You don’t move on from cancer, but you can move onward—with hope, resilience, and the right support around you

Moving Onward, Not Just Moving On

Tara’s organisation, Onward With You, is founded on the principle that life after cancer is about moving onward, not “moving on.” The difference is subtle but profound. Moving onward means acknowledging what has changed, while also embracing resilience and hope for the future.

For workplaces, this means support should not end when treatment ends. Survivorship often brings ongoing challenges—physical fatigue, emotional healing, or fear of recurrence. Long-term workplace mental health support is critical in helping employees feel valued and capable of thriving again.

Building a Workplace That Supports Cancer Journeys

Tara’s insights are a call to action for organisations. Supporting employees with cancer requires more than policies—it requires culture.

Here are some practical steps workplaces can take:

• Normalise conversations about cancer and mental health.
  
• Train managers to listen with empathy, not avoidance.
  
• Offer flexibility in hours, workload, and location.
  
• Provide access to counselling or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
  
• Recognise the ripple effect on teams and provide group support where needed.
• Commit to long-term support, not just during treatment.

With the right support, people can move onward—with dignity, hope, and resilience. And workplaces have the power to make that possible

Final Thought

Cancer changes lives, but it doesn’t end careers. With compassion, flexibility, and genuine care, workplaces can be a powerful source of strength for those navigating cancer and recovery.

This podcast episode was a powerful reminder that workplace wellbeing and workplace mental health are not abstract concepts—they are lived realities. Supporting employees through cancer is not just good practice, it’s a moral imperative.

If your workplace is not prioritising mental health and wellbeing, it’s time to start the conversation. True change happens when mental wellbeing becomes a core part of workplace culture, not just a corporate checkbox.

Listen to the ‘Cancer & Work – When Your Only Choice is to Move Onward’ podcast episode of The Headtorch Wellbeing Hour on Spotify and other main podcast channels for more expert insights on workplace mental health.

Headtorch – creating healthy organisations – boosting wellbeing, increasing performance and leadership development. If your organisation wants to take real steps toward workplace wellbeing and cancer, get in touch with Headtorch for a tailored consultation.