Launch of Healthy Workplace Resources by UICC and Bupa

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, UICC and Bupa are promoting the message to all employers that they have a real role to play in the fight against cancer. 

Our report ‘Cancer – it’s everyone’s business’ launched at the World Cancer Congress 2014, gives a snapshot of the current global evidence base on the costs of cancer to business and their employees, as well as the case for investment in workplace health programmes. One of the key findings is that there are real returns on investment for businesses through avoiding lost productivity, reducing medical costs and improving competitiveness. There are also immeasurable personal benefits for the health of their employees and their families.

At a special session at the World Cancer Congress 2014 to launch the report, UICC members explored how best to engage businesses to place cancer prevention, early detection and support for cancer patients at the heart of workplace health. In fact, many UICC members worldwide are already working closely with businesses. Resources are being shared that assist employers to inform their employees about the lifestyle changes that will reduce their risk of cancer, promote detecting cancer at its earliest stages and improve individual’s quality of life. In turn, a number of UICC partners are taking on best practice solutions to support their employees to adopt healthy behaviours. All of which will have a long-lasting positive impact on individuals, families and the wider community. 

UICC and Bupa have also launched via their Healthy Workplaces website, two practical guides to assist businesses to prioritise cancer prevention and early detection within workplace health programmes. These focus on smoking and breast cancer, where there is a clear business case. But we know that there are many other areas where action in the workplace can make a real difference, such as getting people living with cancer back to work.

On February 4, as we join forces to show that cancer is Not Beyond Us, UICC is working with Bupa to connect the many isolated efforts of cancer civil society organisations and businesses worldwide, and to inspire create new, innovative partnerships between the public and private sectors. Together, our goal is to establish a broad commitment for collective action against cancer through the workplace and support businesses globally to be a catalyst for change.

Read more about the collaboration between UICC and Bupa.