More than a Slogan: What It Really Means to Support Employees with Cancer

I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer when I was 38—a full 12 years before I would have even been eligible for a routine colonoscopy. After two years of surgeries and treatments, I was in remission.

Then, ten years later, on the same day of my initial diagnosis, I heard the unthinkable: my cancer was back. This time, it was stage four colon cancer with metastases to my lungs, right kidney, and right adrenal gland. For nearly three years now, I’ve had chemotherapy every other week. Yet in this same time, I’ve achieved incredible personal and professional milestones, because, in addition to my treatments and the support of my medical team, family, and friends, I’ve received exceptional support from my employer: GALE.

Upon learning of my diagnosis, the agency signed the Working with Cancer (WWC) pledge. Among other commitments, the pledge offers job and salary security for any employee who has cancer, plus access to a range of health and wellness benefits, career coaching and flexibility, unlimited sick time to allow for long-term recovery, and more. Recently, GALE took its commitment a step further by signing WWC’s Screening Time Off initiative, which encourages employees to take time off for regular cancer screenings.

Given my experience, a mission of mine is to encourage employers to support their employees in early detection and ongoing support. While signing the WWC pledge is, in my opinion, the most effective way for an employer to demonstrate its support of employees with cancer, here are three other ways you can make a positive impact:

Mission Possible

Far too many company mission statements tout that the company is a caring family, but its actions show otherwise. Uphold your company’s values with actions that truly benefit employees. One example is offering good health insurance. It’s a tangible way to show that employees are valued—not just in words, but in real support–and is a clear investment in people’s well-being.

Go Beyond A Pledge

GALE didn’t only sign Screening Time Off–in tandem, it launched a four-month challenge encouraging employees to schedule their cancer-screening appointments. The challenge has been successful in three key ways: it has supported the mission of Screening Time Off; it has encouraged employees to take action, rather than merely appreciate that GALE signed the pledge; and it has empowered GALE’s global team to stay educated when it comes to their health and to prioritise preventive care.

Opportunities for Education

Consider putting together a panel of people who have experienced cancer–as a patient, a caregiver, family member, or beyond. Each with a unique perspective, these people all have valid experiences that can be shared and might inspire someone to get a cancer screening. Personal stories have the power to break through fear and stigma, creating an opportunity for people to share their challenges and seek support. When people see themselves in someone else’s journey, they’re more likely to take action.

Given that half of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, you would think commitments like this are the norm. But when a company requires employees with cancer to use PTO for a medical appointment, it can suggest that managing one’s health is a personal inconvenience, rather than something the company champions. Set your organisation apart by demonstrating true commitment to employees with and affected by cancer. In doing so, you’ll actionably and authentically illustrate that your company is working to build an atmosphere of belonging and support.

One other way GALE demonstrated its support was by leading me to transition from the role of client partner to manager, organisational development–where I am a career coach for over 150 GALE employees. This coaching work has sparked an emotion in me that is not often associated with a cancer diagnosis: excitement. I am excited to be at this stage of my career, because I am doing the best work of my life. I haven’t stopped my commitment to helping create space at GALE where everyone belongs and is inspired to produce excellent work, to be their authentic selves, to build relationships, to trust others, to continue to create a place where all 750+ GALE employees feel like they belong. I am proud that this will be my legacy at GALE.

Your agency has the power to do the same for others–turn compassion into action and drive meaningful change for people who need it most.