Take care of yourself & your people

Today is World Cancer Day, a day that, for many, is a moment of reflection, remembrance, and resilience. For me, it’s all of that and more.

Almost 11 years ago, I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. It came out of nowhere, turning life upside down in an instant. Major surgery, months of chemotherapy, uncertainty about the future, it’s an experience that never truly leaves you.

Even now, every single day is a reminder of the big “C”, a reminder of how fragile life is, and how quickly everything can change.

Cancer touches everyone, directly or indirectly. It doesn’t discriminate. It affects colleagues, friends, parents, partners, children. The impact is global, and yet, far too often, people don’t think about it until it’s too late.

Health is everything, employers play a critical role

For those who are fighting cancer, or supporting someone who is, life doesn’t stop. The reality is, people still have to work, pay bills, support their families, and navigate a system that often feels overwhelming.

This is where employers have a real opportunity to make a difference.

Having the right Employee Benefits in place isn’t just about ticking a box, it’s about truly supporting people when they need it most. The right benefits remove barriers, offer financial security, and give employees access to the care they need, whether they’re dealing with a diagnosis themselves or caring for a loved one.

It still baffles me with how many employers overlook some of the key benefits which do make such a difference. For me, some easy considerations include:

• Group Private Medical Insurance (PMI): employees access fast-track specialist treatment and avoid long waiting times. Globally, national health systems are struggling, even for Cancer treatment. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can make all the difference.
• Group Critical Illness: a financial lifeline when an employee is diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, giving them breathing space to focus on recovery rather than worrying about money.
• Group Income Protection: when an employee is too unwell to work, Group Income Protection ensures they still receive a percentage of their salary, helping them manage bills and everyday life while they recover.
• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Cancer doesn’t just impact physical health. The emotional toll is huge, and EAPs provide counselling and mental health support for employees and their families.
• Group Life Assurance: If the worst happens, financial support for loved ones can make an incredibly difficult time a little less overwhelming.

It’s no longer just about insurance

It's about people.

When I think back to my own journey, I know how lucky I was. Not everyone has the same access to treatment, support, or financial security. I believe this is why employers have a responsibility to look at their benefits packages and workplace support systems, not as an afterthought, but as a core part of how they take care of their people.

Cancer isn’t just a personal battle, it’s a workplace issue, a financial issue, a global issue. Every employer, big or small, has a role to play in making life easier for those affected.