Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain – June 3, 2026 – Cigna Healthcare Spain and MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid-Hospiten have jointly launched a new guide titled “The Invisible Impact of Cancer: Support Strategies in the Workplace.” The document aims to shed light on the significant, yet often overlooked, challenges that cancer presents in the professional environment, impacting productivity, emotional well-being, and workplace dynamics.
Addressing the Invisible Challenges of Cancer in the Workplace
The initiative stems from the recognition that a substantial portion of cancer diagnoses in Spain affect individuals of working age. This places a crucial responsibility on companies to implement robust health and wellness protocols that offer comprehensive support to both employees battling the disease and their colleagues. The guide was formally introduced at an event featuring Dr. Daniela Silva, Internal Medicine specialist and E-Health Medical Manager at Cigna Healthcare Spain, and Dr. Santiago Gonzalez, Medical Director of MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid-Hospiten.
Following the initial presentations, two round tables delved into key themes of the guide. The first, “The impact on productivity, stress and wellbeing: the importance of leaders in the management of cancer in the workplace,” examined how cancer affects employee productivity, stress levels, and motivation. Discussions focused on strategies for supporting employees during treatment and their reintegration process, emphasizing the need for empathetic leadership training. Participants included Belén Viscasillas from Ferrovial, Amaya Lasa from SNGULAR, and José Antonio Toledo from MUFG Bank.
Comprehensive Support Strategies and Medical Advancements
The second round table, “Support strategies in the workplace,” moderated by Raul Gomez, Director of People, Talent and Culture at Hospiten, explored cancer from both a scientific and human resources perspective. Dr. Enrique Grande, Head of Medical Oncology Service at MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid-Hospiten, and Fatima Castaño, psycho-oncologist at the same center, discussed advancements in medical treatments and therapies. Jose Morejon, HR Advisor and Director of the Masters in Human Resources at Centro de Estudios Garrigues, highlighted the importance of creating inclusive and supportive work environments to facilitate the physical and psychological well-being of employees returning to work.
Practical Solutions for a Widespread Issue
The guide offers a detailed analysis of the invisible challenges faced by employees with cancer, such as persistent fatigue, chronic pain, anxiety, and loss of confidence, often exacerbated by workplace expectations. To counteract these issues, the document proposes concrete solutions, including emotional support programs, personalized health plans, workplace adaptations, leadership training, and examples of effective best practices.
With approximately 300,000 new cancer cases diagnosed annually in Spain, and about 60% affecting individuals under 65 (active working age), the need for specific health and wellness protocols that address cancer is paramount, as indicated by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM).
Dr. Daniela Silva stated, “Up to 50% of cancer cases could be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle… When we talk about healthy companies, we want to go a step further and create an environment where an employee with cancer knows that their well-being – at any level – matters and that their team is behind them every step of the way.”
Dr. Santiago Gonzalez Moreno added, “Cancer not only has an impact on physical health, but also on the emotional and social wellbeing of people, affecting their productivity and work dynamics. In this sense, companies must take a proactive role, implementing measures that address both the medical and emotional aspects and ensuring an inclusive environment that supports workers throughout the entire process, from prevention to reincorporation into the workplace.”
The Need for Progressive Reintegration and a Supportive Culture
Data from the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration reveals that 45% of individuals diagnosed with cancer do not experience a progressive reintegration process at work. This highlights a significant gap in corporate preparedness for managing the impact of cancer.
Amira Bueno, Human Resources Director at Cigna Healthcare Spain, emphasized, “It is not enough to adapt schedules or functions; it is necessary to build a corporate culture in which workers feel psychological security with respect to the preservation of their jobs, that they feel supported, understood and, above all, accompanied in all phases of the disease.”
Through this guide, Cigna Healthcare Spain and MD Anderson Madrid-Hospiten reinforce their commitment to fostering more inclusive and healthy work environments. The guide serves as a practical tool for companies to cultivate a resilient workplace that supports employee well-being and contributes to organizational success.
The guide, “The Invisible Impact of Cancer: Supportive Workplace Strategies,” is available for download online.
Source: https://hospiten.com/en/news/cigna-healthcare-spain-and-md-anderson-cancer-center-madrid-hospiten-create-a-guide-to-give-visibility-to-the-invisible-challenges-of-cancer-in-the-envi
