Macmillan Cancer Support is uniting with six companies from the building and construction sector, to raise awareness of cancer and encourage men to get support.

‘Construction Cancer Coalition’ scheme joins the charity with Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery, ISG, Selco Builders Warehouse, Travis Perkins, Topps Tiles and Wolseley UK, to tackle the stigmas that prevent men from talking about their health.

The importance of the campaign and encouraging men to talk about their health is underlined by a new Macmillan survey, conducted with the cooperation of Toluna UK, of 536 ‘Construction Cancer Coalition’ male employees.

The survey revealed almost two in five men, 38%, from the sector who report being in good health believe that as a man it is important to keep emotions in check so others view them as strong. Also, that almost one in five men, 18%, who work in the industry and have a serious illness such as cancer, feel like less of a man since being diagnosed.

Following the campaign, the charity has had a continued presence in the industry in the form of ‘Macmillan Neighbours’, employees from the sector who have volunteered to be trained to provide cancer support to their colleagues.

The campaign will build on the success of last year’s inaugural campaign, which saw Macmillan bring together companies to improve the health and wellbeing of their male workforce. This year’s campaign signals a continuing commitment from the industry to put aside commercial differences to support their staff.

From 12th - 25th June, Macmillan Cancer Support will have a visible presence in branches and sites of the ‘Construction Cancer Coalition’ partners, with posters and leaflets signposting men to support, and encouraging those with health concerns to Just Say the Word, and talk about cancer.

Employees at all levels will also spend the two-week period fundraising for Macmillan, raising money to help the charity provide support to people living with cancer across the UK.