Men’s Health at Work
Why So Many Men Are Still Afraid to Talk About Cancer at Work
Let’s be honest: for many men, the fear of cancer isn’t just about health.
It’s about work. Status. Security. And being seen differently.
New research shows that almost one in three men (30%) worry that a cancer diagnosis could put their job at risk or lead to them being seen as unreliable at work. That fear alone is enough to keep many men silent - even when something doesn’t feel right.
And silence, when it comes to cancer, can cost lives.
Work Gets in the Way of Health - Especially for Younger Men
The data highlights a real tension between modern working life and looking after your health:
19% of men aged 25–34 say working hours stop them booking medical tests because they can’t get time off at short notice
20% of men don’t even know whether their employer would support them if they were diagnosed with a serious illness
For younger men trying to build careers, prove reliability and keep momentum, taking time out for a test can feel like a risk - even when it shouldn’t.
“What If They Treat Me Differently?”
While it’s encouraging that 56% of men say they’d feel comfortable telling their manager about cancer-related tests or a diagnosis, many still fear the consequences.
The concerns are telling:
18% worry they’d be treated differently or pitied
18% fear for their job security or being labelled unreliable
15% worry about office gossip
12% fear being sidelined or overlooked for future opportunities
Among millennials, these worries are even sharper - 20% are concerned illness could cost them future promotions or opportunities.
This isn’t paranoia. It’s lived experience.
The Awareness Gap No One Talks About
There’s also a big gap in knowledge about support at work - particularly for mid-career men.
Among Gen X men (aged 45–60), 28% don’t know what support their employer offers if they became seriously ill. That lack of clarity creates hesitation. And hesitation delays action.
What Actually Helps Men Speak Up?
When asked what would make the biggest difference, men were clear:
Flexible working to attend tests or treatment (28%)
Paid time off for medical appointments (27%)
Clear confidentiality assurances when disclosing a health issue (20%)
This isn’t about special treatment. It’s about removing barriers that stop men getting help early.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
As Dr Tim Woodman, Medical Director for Cancer Services at Bupa, puts it:
“When people worry that a diagnosis could affect their job or future opportunities, it’s understandable they may hesitate to speak up or seek help as early as they should. But when it comes to serious health issues such as cancer, acting early can be lifesaving.”
The truth is simple: early diagnosis saves lives, and workplace culture plays a bigger role in that than most of us realise.
A Message for Men
If you’re worried about symptoms, a test, or a diagnosis - your health is not a weakness. It’s not a liability. And it’s not something to apologise for.
Work matters. But you matter more.
And a message for employers:
When men feel safe to speak up, everyone benefits - healthier people, stronger teams and workplaces built on trust, not fear.
Because no one should have to choose between their job and their life.
Strong businesses start with healthy men. Explore MOCO’s resources for employers.