Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting around one in seven women during their lifetime. While most cases occur in women over 50, younger women can also be affected, and breast cancer can occur in men, although this is rare [1].

For employers, supporting employees affected by breast cancer is not only the right thing to do, it can play an important role in helping people manage treatment, maintain their wellbeing and remain connected to work where appropriate. Here are some practical ways organisations can provide meaningful support.

1. Start with empathy and flexibility

Breast cancer treatment can be physically, emotionally and mentally demanding. Offering empathy and flexibility is key.

Flexible working arrangements, whether that's adjusting working hours, offering hybrid working or allowing time for appointments, can help employees balance treatment and work responsibilities more effectively.

2. Create a supportive environment

Communication is critical. Employers should create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their diagnosis, needs and concerns.

Confidentiality is essential, and having clear workplace policies can help employees understand what support is available. Access to mental health support or employee assistance programmes (EAPs) can also provide valuable guidance during a difficult period.

3. Understand legal obligations

In the UK, employees diagnosed with cancer are legally classified as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 [2]. This means employers must make reasonable adjustments, such as amending duties, adjusting working patterns or allowing additional leave where appropriate.

Employers should work closely with HR teams to ensure legal obligations are met and employees receive the support they need.

4. Offer tailored healthcare support

If an organisation provides private healthcare, it is important to ensure appropriate cancer support services are available.

Access to specialist consultations, counselling, virtual GP services and expert cancer support can help employees navigate the challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment.

5. Foster peer support and awareness

Creating opportunities for peer support can help employees feel less isolated. Organisations may wish to create networks where colleagues affected by cancer can connect and share experiences.

Employers can also raise awareness through internal communications, wellbeing initiatives and campaigns such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Encouraging employees to understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, attend screening appointments when eligible and seek medical advice if they notice any unusual changes can help support earlier diagnosis.

6. Plan for the long term

Support should not stop once active treatment ends.

Some employees may continue to experience physical, emotional or practical challenges following treatment. Phased returns to work, temporary workload adjustments and continued wellbeing support can help individuals transition back into their normal routines in a sustainable way.

Understanding breast cancer and the importance of early diagnosis

Supporting employees affected by breast cancer starts with creating an informed workplace. Helping people understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, recognise potential risk factors and take up screening when eligible can support earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

The following FAQs provide an overview of what employees should know about breast cancer and screening.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or tumour. It is the most common cancer in the UK, with around one in seven women developing breast cancer during their lifetime [1].
While it predominantly affects women, men can also develop breast cancer, although this is rare. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of successful treatment [1].
Breasts naturally change throughout life due to hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. However, it is important to be aware of any new or unusual changes and seek medical advice if you notice them.
Breast Cancer Now lists the following as potential symptoms of breast cancer [3].
A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit
Changes to the skin of the breast, such as puckering or dimpling
Redness or changes in breast colour
A nipple becoming inverted or changing shape
Rash or crusting around the nipple
Unusual discharge from either nipple
Changes in the size or shape of the breast
Persistent pain in the breast or armpit
Most changes will not be cancer, but it is always important to have them checked by a healthcare professional.
Three simple breast awareness checks
Touch your breasts or chest. Can you feel anything new or unusual?
Look for changes. Does anything look different?
Speak to your GP if you notice any new or unusual changes [3].
Around 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 [1]. However, younger women can also develop breast cancer.
The main risk factors for breast cancer are being female, getting older and having a family history of the disease [4].
Only around 5% to 10% of breast cancers are linked to inherited genetic changes [4].
Men can also develop breast cancer, most commonly after the age of 60 [1].
If an employee is concerned about their family history, they should speak to their GP, who can assess whether referral to a specialist service is appropriate [4].
While some risk factors cannot be changed, there are lifestyle factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer [5].
Research suggests that people can support their overall health by:
Limiting alcohol consumption
Maintaining a healthy weight
Being physically active regularly
Breastfeeding, where possible
As with many health conditions, a combination of factors contributes to an individual's overall risk.
Breast screening uses a specialised X-ray called a mammogram to identify cancers before they can be seen or felt [4].
In the UK, women aged 50 to 71 are routinely invited for breast screening every three years as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme [4].
Women over 71 can continue to access screening but must request an appointment through their local screening service [4].
People identified as having a higher risk of breast cancer may be offered screening earlier or more frequently following assessment by a healthcare specialist [4].
It is important to remember that breast screening is designed for people without symptoms. Anyone who notices a new breast or chest change should contact their GP, even if they have recently had a mammogram.
Breast screening can help identify cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment is often more effective.
Breast screening programmes are estimated to prevent around 1,300 deaths from breast cancer each year in the UK [4].
While no screening test is perfect, screening remains one of the most effective tools available for early detection [4].
Having a relative with breast cancer does not automatically mean someone will develop the condition themselves. However, people with multiple close relatives diagnosed at a younger age, or relatives who have had cancer in both breasts, may have a higher inherited risk.
Anyone concerned about their family history should speak to their GP, who can assess whether referral to a specialist service is appropriate [4].

Accessing specialist cancer support

Healix Health members can access specialist cancer support through Perci Health.

Perci Health supports people living with and beyond cancer through access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists. Their clinicians help individuals manage the physical, emotional and practical effects of cancer and its treatment, providing personalised support alongside medical care.

Supporting employees through treatment and beyond

Breast cancer affects thousands of working-age people every year. While employers cannot remove the challenges that come with a diagnosis, they can play an important role in helping employees access support, manage treatment and remain connected to work where appropriate.

By creating a workplace culture that encourages awareness, early intervention and ongoing wellbeing support, organisations can help employees feel informed, supported and valued throughout treatment and beyond.

Cancer Research UK. Breast cancer statistics. Accessed September 2026.
Cancer Research UK. The Disability Discrimination Act, Equality Act and cancer. Accessed September 2026.
Breast Cancer Now. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Accessed September 2026.
Breast Cancer Now. Breast screening and family history information. Accessed September 2026.
World Cancer Research Fund. Breast cancer risk factors and prevention. Accessed September 2026.

Supporting employees through breast cancer: An employers guide

1. Start with empathy and flexibility

2. Create a supportive environment

3. Understand legal obligations

4. Offer tailored healthcare support

5. Foster peer support and awareness

6. Plan for the long term

Understanding breast cancer and the importance of early diagnosis

Accessing specialist cancer support

Supporting employees through treatment and beyond

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1. Start with empathy and flexibility

2. Create a supportive environment

3. Understand legal obligations

4. Offer tailored healthcare support

5. Foster peer support and awareness

6. Plan for the long term

Understanding breast cancer and the importance of early diagnosis

What is breast cancer?

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Who is most at risk of developing breast cancer?

Can you reduce your risk of breast cancer?

What is breast screening?

How effective is breast screening?

What should employees do if they are concerned about their family history?

Accessing specialist cancer support

Supporting employees through treatment and beyond

The role of employers in suicide prevention

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Webinar: The power of early support for aches and pains