Employers across Greater Manchester are being urged to play a bigger role in helping staff recognise the signs and symptoms of cancer after new research revealed that work is the last place people would turn to for advice or information if they were worried about possible cancer symptoms.
The survey commissioned by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance found that while most people would seek advice from a healthcare professional (92%), friends or family (81%), the internet (68%) or a charity (64%), just over a third (37%) would turn to their workplace for support.
The survey results highlight significant opportunities for employers to make a difference. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents said it would be easier to recognise early cancer symptoms if their workplace regularly shared information about them.
Ali Jones, Director of Commissioning and Early Diagnosis at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “Early diagnosis saves lives, and employers can play a vital role in making it happen. Simple actions such as sharing information about cancer symptoms, encouraging screening and supporting people to attend appointments can make the difference between someone seeking help early or delaying it. Through our Get Cancer Clever initiative, we’re asking employers across Greater Manchester to help create workplaces where people feel informed, supported and empowered to act.”
To support businesses, Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, in partnership with The Growth Company, is inviting employers across the city region to attend a Get Cancer Clever breakfast briefing on 22 September 2026 at the People’s History Museum in Manchester.
The event will bring together managing directors, HR leaders and workplace wellbeing teams to explore how employers can raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, encourage earlier diagnosis and better support employees affected by cancer.
Attendees will hear directly from people with lived experience of cancer, those who understand the importance of early diagnosis, and experts who work in this space every day. Businesses will also be invited to commit to becoming a Cancer Clever Employer.
Julie Woosey, Chief People Officer at The Growth Company, said: “The research shows there is a clear gap in workplace cancer support across the city region and we want to help businesses close this gap.
“By partnering with the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance on this initiative, we can raise awareness, help businesses empower employees to recognise the signs and symptoms of cancer, and give them the tools and confidence to support colleagues going through a cancer diagnosis or treatment.”
The findings also reveal disparities across different sectors and employee groups. Just 26% of unskilled manual workers and 27% of junior managers and professionals said they would turn to work for support. Employees across retail (31%) and education (30%) were also unlikely to turn to their workplace.
The Get Cancer Clever breakfast briefing takes place from 8.30am to 10.30am on Tuesday 22 September 2026 at the People’s History Museum, Manchester.
To register, visit: bit.ly/
