One in five people with cancer who were employed full-time at the time of diagnosis felt their employer could do more to understand their needs, research has found.
The survey by YouGov, commissioned by Unum and Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres, warned many employers are not providing the right support for staff with cancer, during or after treatment.
In addition, employees said they were dissatisfied with the frequency of communication from their employer following treatment.
However, this is often because employers are worried they may do or say the wrong thing. As a result they do not communicate effectively with employees about their needs and circumstances, the research identified.
Over a quarter (28%) of people diagnosed with cancer while in full-time employment said work is important to their sense of identity and a further quarter said it provides them with structure and routine.
A significant number (26%) of respondents who currently have cancer and were employed at the diagnosis stage also said they think less about their medical treatment when they are working.
Currently over half a million people in the workplace have cancer and a further 63,000 would like to return to work, but "are being held back by a lack of support", the research concluded.
Joy Reymond, head of rehabilitation Services at Unum, said: "Every person deals with cancer in a different way and employers often worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. Effective communication can help them to understand the needs of staff with cancer and put in place a tailored and flexible return to work plan to provide the right support and retain talented employees."
Lesley Howells, research lead and centre head at Maggie's, said: "Many people living with cancer aren't able or don't want to work after treatment, but for those who can and choose to, it can be vital to their psychological wellbeing. Crucially, it can have a hugely positive effect on their self esteem, empowering them to live well with cancer."
