A rising number of cancer patients in the UK feel discriminated against when they return to work after treatment, a charity has said.

It isn’t difficult and it is likely to be cheaper and easier than recruiting a replacement

Almost two in five patients (37 per cent) who go back to work after being treated for cancer say they experience some kind of discrimination from their employer or colleagues compared to 23 per cent in 2010, according to Macmillan Cancer Support.

A survey conducted by the charity on 168 sufferers found that nine per cent felt so harassed by their employer they felt they could not stay in their job.

More than one in eight thought their boss had not made reasonable changes to enable them to carry on working.

And eight per cent said they felt “abused” by their bosses or colleagues.

Patients also reported being denied time off for medical appointments, being passed over for promotion or having unfavourable appraisals linked to their cancer.

“Employers are risking prosecution by flouting their legal responsibility to protect people living with cancer from unfair treatment and stigma at work,” said Ciaran Devane, chief executive at the charity.

“There needs to be far more understanding of cancer and how the effects of treatment may impact on people returning to work.

“Going back to work after treatment can be very isolating especially if someone has been off for a while and has lost confidence or contact with colleagues.

“As our population grows and ages, and the retirement age rises, cancer will become an increasingly common issue for employees and their managers.

“It’s vital they are equipped to help people with cancer stay in work.

“It isn’t difficult and it is likely to be cheaper and easier than recruiting a replacement or defending a discrimination claim.”

One male cancer sufferer from London said he was fired after being diagnosed with cancer.

“When I told my employer that I’d been diagnosed with cancer and asked to have some time off for treatment, I was given the sack,” the 46-year-old said.

“They said they couldn’t employ someone who was not 100 per cent committed.

“It was a shock as I had a very successful career, and a fulfilling life.

“I took them to an employment tribunal through a solicitor.

“But it was costing so much I had no money left to fight for my legal rights.

“I was paid a financial settlement.

“It wasn’t a lot, and it’s gone just trying to keep the bills paid.

“It’s been a most soul-destroying experience and I have never felt more alone than now, trying to regain my place in society with a new job.”