NHS to help cancer patients stay in work

The NHS will work with employers and charities to help almost a million cancer patients and survivors stay in or return to work, and government modelling warned cancer could otherwise reduce the UK workforce by about 170,000 people per year over the next 25 years.

The NHS will work with employers and charities to offer more help for cancer patients and survivors to stay in or return to work. The scheme is due to be unveiled by Health Secretary Wes Streeting as part of the national cancer plan. Government modelling cited in reporting says cancer could shrink the UK workforce by about 170,000 people per year over the next 25 years if no action is taken. Charities, including Maggie's, have urged wider rollout of support programmes that address life during and after cancer. Key points: - The NHS will collaborate with businesses and charities to support almost a million people living with or beyond cancer. - Health Secretary Wes Streeting is set to announce the measures within the national cancer plan. - Government modelling forecasts a potential loss of about 170,000 workers per year over 25 years without further action. - Patients miss an average of 75 days of work per year and roughly one third stop working altogether. - Charity Maggie's runs a "Where Now?" course at 27 centres; modelling from the York Health Economic Consortium reported the programme contributes about £1.2 million to the UK economy and reduces sickness benefits for participants. Summary: The plan aims to expand workplace and charity-based support to help people remain in or return to employment during and after cancer treatment, and to address related pressures on public services and the economy. The Health Secretary will unveil the measures as part of the national cancer plan; details on nationwide rollout and implementation timelines are undetermined at this time.