Macmillan Cancer Support has announced it is uniting with nine companies from the construction, electrical and home improvement sector – including a number of merchants – for its ‘Just Say the Word’ male cancer campaign.
Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery, CEF, ISG, Mace, Selco Builders Warehouse, telent Technology Services, Topps Tiles, Travis Perkins and Wolseley, have all joined forces with the charity. The businesses hope to raise awareness of the impact of cancer and the effect it can have on men, to encourage people to access support.
The charity champions talking as an important way to cope with the disease, yet Macmillan and Toluna research reveals more than 1 in 4 tradesmen (26%) wouldn’t feel comfortable having a serious conversation about any health concerns with work colleagues.
From 23 April 2018 – 6 May 2018, the ‘Just Say the Word’ campaign will have a visible presence in branches and sites of the nine participating partners to show the help which is available, and encourage those with health concerns to get support.
Employees at all levels will also spend the two-week period fundraising for Macmillan, raising money to help the charity provide assistance for people living with cancer across the UK.
Dave Watkins, Associate Director at Mace was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016, he commented: “When I was diagnosed, I initially found it really difficult to talk to others about my cancer and the emotional toll it was taking. Mentally, I found it difficult to come to terms with cancer and was in a dark place. But my experience really improved when I published my story on Mace’s staff intranet. My company and colleagues were incredibly supportive and helped my drive to stay positive.”
Dr Anthony Cunliffe, Macmillan Cancer Support GP, lead for prevention and diagnosis said: “Many men with cancer find talking about their health with friends and colleagues really difficult. If you or someone close to you is going through cancer, you might want to appear strong, but this doesn’t mean you need to hide your feelings.
“Cancer can be hard emotionally as well as physically, and one important way of coping is by being able to share your feelings with others. Admitting to feeling scared or worried is not a sign of weakness, and actually will probably contribute to helping you feel better.”
Click here for more information about the campaign as well as the support services available through Macmillan.
