Unfortunately, a majority of Americans will be affected by cancer in one way or another, whether it’s a personal diagnosis or a family member.

Diagnoses, the stress of treatment, or even the anxiety of maintaining a healthy lifestyle are all factors that the average person will carry with them into all aspects of life, even their professional settings.

The average American works 40 hours a week, with many projects carrying over into after hours, meaning we don’t really get much time to relax. Imagine the accompanying stress that goes along with never fully disconnecting from your job.

A little stress can be a good thing, but chronic stress can take a toll on your body. Long-term stress can have a profound effect on your body’s functions, and according to Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., head of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson ¨stress makes your body more hospitable to cancer ¨.

Cancer scenarios can have implications for workers from the top to the bottom. The CEO and the mail room clerk both share a susceptibility to the risk of cancer. Their diagnosis and treatment will have an effect on the overall workplace family. This is Corporate Oncology.

Fortunately, most companies are in a position to take a step in the right direction and join the efforts to Be the Cure and encourage and support employees to take part in the movement for a healthier lifestyle that fights cancer.

Promote Healthy Stress Management

Companies should look to encourage employees to cut stress, of course, it’s easy to say that, but here are some steps you can take:

Yoga/Meditation

Providing a quiet space in the office or offering daily classes for employees is a great start.

Physical Activity

Give workers the freedom to take an extra 30 minutes during the day to walk, either outside or around the building, or let them leave early to head to the gym. Consider how much time most of us spend slumped over, sitting at our computers each day. A little time to get up and move around would be hugely beneficial.

Mental Health Support

Let it be known that employees are encouraged to seek whatever help they need.

Provide resources to hotlines or mental health professionals such as a psychiatrist or psychologist if your company doesn’t have someone readily available.

Make these resources accessible anonymously and readily available, so everyone feels comfortable seeking help if needed.

Adequate Rest

A full 8 hours of sleep is a strong defense against stress, but who can relax if they’re staring at their phone all night answering e-mails?

Recently a law was passed in France that allows workers the right to ignore work emails after hours. Implementing a similar strategy in your office could do wonders for employees.

Provide Support

For organizations that experience an employee fighting cancer, there are many things to do to help.

Flexible Schedules

Allowing for appointment times or longer sick leave depending on treatments would be helpful.

Adaptable Environments

Changes to physical work space may be necessary.

Workplace Costs

Free workplace counseling or help with travel costs could be excellent voluntary gestures, if possible.

The two keys to successful support will be flexibility and communication. Letting your employees know you will support them while giving them the space to see what it is they really need and when they need it will be appreciated.

There are many ways your organization can support employees in the push for a healthy lifestyle whether it’s by providing cancer screenings at the office or stocking the break room with fruits and healthy snacks.

Most people spend a majority of their time at work, so take initiative to ensure it is a healthy environment.

If you have any questions or would like more information, get in touch!

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