Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and The Growth Company launch new scheme to help employers become “Cancer Clever”

The Get Cancer Clever Commitment launch event at The Peoples History Museum in Manchester

The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, in partnership with The Growth Company, today launched its Get Cancer Clever Commitment, inviting employers to sign up and receive practical tools and resources to better support their employees with cancer.

The initiative was launched at a breakfast briefing at Manchester’s People’s History Museum, attended by around 100 senior business leaders and HR professionals from across Greater Manchester.

The launch follows research which found that 72% of workers in Greater Manchester felt they would find it easier to spot early cancer symptoms if their workplace shared resources, highlighting an opportunity for employers to play a greater role in helping their teams access trusted information and support.

The Get Cancer Clever Commitment aims to help businesses create workplaces where cancer can be discussed openly and where employees feel supported, whether they are concerned about their own health, facing a cancer diagnosis or supporting a loved one.

At the briefing, attendees received practical advice on how they can support their teams in three key areas:

  • Prevention and early diagnosis – helping employees recognise the signs and symptoms of cancer, understand when to seek medical advice and know which cancer screening programmes they may be eligible for.
  • Supporting employees affected by cancer – signposting to practical support for people navigating diagnosis and treatment, as well as those returning to work following cancer treatment.
  • Breaking the taboo – creating a workplace culture where conversations about cancer are encouraged and employees feel comfortable asking for help and support.

The event featured a keynote speech from Professor Chris Brookes MBE, Chairman of Wigan Warriors, followed by a panel discussion bringing together prominent members of the Greater Manchester business community, NHS clinicians and people with lived experience of cancer.

Wayne Jones OBE, chairing the discussion panel at the Get Cancer Clever Commitment launch

The morning concluded with a question-and-answer session, before attendees were invited to sign the Get Cancer Clever Commitment and take practical steps towards becoming a Cancer Clever Employer.

Ali Jones, Director of Commissioning and Early Diagnosis at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said:

“Cancer will affect one in two of us, and it’s important that we find cancer early to give people the best chance. It really can make all the difference. The Get Cancer Clever Commitment lets us team up with employers across Greater Manchester to help get messages out to people. That way everyone is empowered to know the signs and symptoms to watch out for and can seek medical help quickly if they notice something isn’t right.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig said: “Greater Manchester is home to a brilliant and diverse business community, and employers have a real opportunity to make a difference to the health and wellbeing of their people.

“The Cancer Clever Employers scheme, launched by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, is a great example of what we can achieve when our NHS, businesses and communities work together. By sharing trusted information and creating supportive workplaces, we can help people recognise the signs of cancer, seek help earlier and feel supported if cancer affects them or someone they care about.”

Wayne Jones, chair of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce who moderated the event, said: “Cancer in the workplace can be challenging to navigate, both for those experiencing it and colleagues who want to support them.

“This event highlighted the importance of people over policy. The way colleagues and managers support those with cancer and allow for individual experience has a much bigger impact than a HR policy that no-one uses. The panel shared some great, easily actionable takeaways for Greater Manchester businesses to better support their employees experiencing cancer.”

Employers who make the Get Cancer Clever Commitment will regularly receive NHS-approved content that they can share with their employees, covering cancer signs and symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis.

They will also be signposted to a range of trusted resources to support employees who may be going through a cancer diagnosis or treatment, returning to work following treatment, or caring for or supporting someone close to them.

Businesses across Greater Manchester can still sign up to become Cancer Clever Employers and receive regular, practical content to share with their teams.

To find out more and make the Get Cancer Clever Commitment, visit www.getcancerclever.co.uk