Embracing Transitions with Compassion

How MOCO Supports Cancer Patients Returning to Work

At MOCO Coaching, we've learned that every return to work is more than a professional milestone - it's a deeply personal journey towards renewed confidence, identity and hope. One of the most compelling stories we are privileged to be part of is the courageous return-to-work process of cancer survivors.

The Context in the UK

Cancer is becoming more prevalent, but survival stories are on the rise too. By early 2025, nearly 3.5 million people in the UK are living with cancer, up from just 3 million five years ago (Macmillan). That’s nearly 1 in 20 UK residents - a powerful reminder that cancer touches us all in some way.

Although improved detection and treatment mean cancer is not always a terminal diagnosis, returning to work remains a major hurdle. A survey of UK cancer survivors revealed:

• Only 33% remained in full-time work post-treatment (down from 53% pre-diagnosis).

• Many faced reduced hours and lowered confidence.

• Just 48% discussed return-to-work plans with their treatment team - yet those who did returned faster and with better outcomes (PubMed).

MOCO’s Heartfelt Approach

We firmly believe that returning to work after cancer isn't just about being professional again - it's about rediscovering oneself. Here’s how MOCO steps in and holds space:

1. 1:1 Coaching and Counselling
   Empathetic, tailored support helps survivors rebuild confidence, manage fatigue and adjust to workplace demands at their own pace.

   “Coming back to work after cancer treatment was one of the most daunting things I’ve ever faced. With MOCO, I never felt alone. The coaching helped me rebuild my confidence step by step - not just as an employee, but as a person. It turned what I feared would be overwhelming into something achievable and even empowering.”
   - Cancer survivor, MOCO coaching client

2. Tailored Reintegration Workshops
   For managers and colleagues, we create spaces of understanding and practical preparation. These sessions ensure returning employees feel welcomed, supported and set up for success.

3. Wellbeing and Resilience Culture Programmes
   By embedding compassion and flexibility into organisational culture, we help businesses retain talent, improve morale and reduce burnout.

   “In the past, we’ve sadly had employees who didn’t come back after cancer treatment. Not because they didn’t want to, but because they just didn’t know how. With MOCO’s 1:1 coaching, one of our colleagues felt guided, supported and able to rebuild their confidence at their own pace. It made all the difference - instead of losing a valued team member, we welcomed them back stronger and more engaged.”
   — HR Director, UK SME

Why It Matters

• One in twenty people in the UK are living with cancer - and when these individuals receive the right support, they can continue to contribute meaningfully to their teams and communities.

• Since less than half of survivors discuss return-to-work needs with healthcare teams, MOCO fills that gap - giving individuals and businesses the tools to make that conversation possible and sustainable.

At MOCO Coaching, we see the difference first-hand. For the individual, it’s the reassurance of “I never felt alone - coaching helped me rebuild my confidence step by step.” For the organisation, it’s the realisation that with the right support, “instead of losing a valued team member, we welcomed them back stronger and more engaged.”

This is why we do what we do: because no one should have to navigate the return-to-work journey alone - and no business should lose great people simply because the path back wasn’t clear.

At MOCO, we believe every return can be a story of resilience, strength and renewed purpose - for both people and the organisations they’re part of. And we’re here to walk that journey, together.