Abstract

Every year approximately 90,000 people of working age in England are diagnosed with cancer. Many people return to work for financial and social reasons. The ‘Cancer in the Workplace’ resource, comprising a DVD and booklet, was developed and launched in March 2007 by Macmillan Cancer Support on the premise of raising the awareness of issues that employers and employees face when people return to work. The DVD/booklet covers the impact of cancer, cancer treatments, employment and financial issues.

The aim of this evaluation was to provide key stakeholders at Macmillan Cancer Support with information about the perceived effectiveness and acceptability of the DVD and booklet as an informational/awareness raising tool for line managers, HR personnel and employment advisors in the UK. As this evaluation was exploratory in nature, the evaluators employed a qualitative approach, drawing on data from
discussions and meetings with the producer of the DVD and booklet, and the opinions of those who might use the resources.

Four focus groups were held. Most of the participants found the DVD/booklet informative and thought provoking, both personally and professionally. It ‘demystified’ the subject of cancer and was praised for its ability to highlight the difficulties people face. The resource met its objectives and was praised as an awareness-raising tool, but there were reservations regarding the target audience and its effectiveness as a stand-alone training resource. Suggestions about producing different versions of the DVD to cover issues experienced by large/small organisations were explored.

The ‘Working with Cancer’ group at Macmillan Cancer Support are now in the process of addressing issues identified from this evaluation.