Prevention

Every year, more than 127,000 people of working age are diagnosed with cancer in the UK.
Around 4 in 10 of these cases could be prevented.

(Source: Cancer Research UK)

Workplace culture & environment

There are some things we can’t change that increase the risk of cancer, such as a family history of cancer and getting older, and whilst not all cancers can be prevented there are things we can do to reduce risk.

Employers can positively influence health through workplace culture and environment by being proactive on things including:

  • Being physically active,
  • Eating and drinking well,
  • Being a non-smoker,
  • Being a healthy weight, and
  • Avoiding risks including working in the sun.

Facilitating an Active Workforce

Content created by Sheffield Hallam University

Detailing the benefits of physical activity for people’s health in relation to cancer, and practical guidance on how to facilitate this within a workplace.

Employers in action

Employer: Henry Boot
Initiative: Partnership with Weston Park Cancer Charity

Henry Boot, one of the UK’s leading land, property development, home building and construction, chose to ‘Show Up’ against cancer by partnering with Weston Park Cancer Charity. This case study explains how the partnership benefited the charity and employees alike.

Read more

The partnership between Henry Boot and Weston Park Cancer Charity highlights the remarkable difference that businesses can make when they stand behind a local cause.
Henry Boot’s longstanding commitment, spanning almost three decades, has helped fund treatment enhancements, cutting-edge cancer research, and vital support services, directly improving the lives of people living with cancer across the region.

The relationship has also increased awareness of Weston Park Cancer Charity’s services among Henry Boot employees. Through on-site cancer awareness sessions delivered by the charity’s Big Purple Bus, staff have gained essential knowledge about symptoms, men’s health, and where to turn for expert advice and support.

The shared experience of fundraising and community engagement has brought Henry Boot colleagues closer together; from sponsoring flagship charity events to taking part in walks, golf days, and industry fundraisers. These activities have strengthened team bonds while reinforcing Henry Boot’s commitment to social responsibility and the wellbeing of its people.

Employers in action

Creating Active Workplaces

Created by the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University

A guide to steps you can take to encourage and support physical activity in and around the
workplace across a range of settings.

Creating Active Workplaces

Created by the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University

A guide to steps you can take to encourage and support physical activity in and around the
workplace across a range of settings.

If you employ people within South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw and have an example of how you are showing up for your workforce on cancer we’d like to hear from you.

Please get in touch to discuss how we can share your best practice through case studies and other methods.

Further Free Resources

Summary of cancer risks in the workplace

Created by Cancer Research UK

Contains:

  • What types of job might increase the risk of cancer?
  • Health and safety at work
  • Asbestos and cancer risk
  • Hazardous substances and cancer risk
  • Protect your skin when working in the sun
  • Does night shift work cause cancer?

NHS Better Health

Created by NHS

Contains:

  • Stop smoking support and personalised quit plans
  • Alcohol reduction advice and tools
  • Weight loss support and healthy eating guidance
  • Physical activity advice and activity plans
  • Free NHS apps, tools and behaviour change support
  • Healthy Choices Quiz to help people identify areas for improvement
  • Practical advice for making sustainable lifestyle changes to improve health and reduce cancer risk

Cancer Prevention

Created by NHS England

Contains:

  • Overview of cancer prevention in England
  • HPV vaccination and its role in preventing cancer
  • Cervical screening and prevention of cervical cancer
  • Bowel cancer screening and early prevention
  • Information on the NHS approach to preventing cancer
  • National Cancer Plan commitments relating to prevention and vaccination
  • Strategic information on reducing cancer risk and improving population health

External Services

We have included links to reputable organisations only, however links do not mean that this is an endorsement of services or an intentional exclusion of other services.

Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK offer a bespoke programme of support as well as webinars, in person workshops, and an interactive awareness stand. Charges apply and are listed on the website. 

Yorkshire SmokeFree

Inspiring a smokefree generation. Free support available.

Barnsley and Doncaster: Yorkshire SmokeFree – 0800 612 0011 or 0330 660 1166 or text ‘YSF‘ to 80800
Bassetlaw: ABL – 0115 722 2515
Rotherham: Rotherham Healthwave – 01709 718720
Sheffield: SmokeFree Sheffield – 0114 553 6296 or 07833 048200 or text ‘YSF‘ to 80800