- What's at stake: Unaddressed isolation drives health risks, increased costs, extended leaves and potential talent loss.
- Expert quote: Community connection reduces isolation and improves care navigation for patients and caregivers, says Christina Merrill.
- Supporting data: App allows filtering by cancer type, symptoms, demographics and employer-based groups.
Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review
When an employee is dealing with or caring for someone with cancer,
"CancerBuddy links people with others going through the same diagnosis or experience … as well as cancer navigators who help identify the best specialists for their cancer and connect them with supportive care, such as nutritionists and other services," says Christina Merrill, founder and CEO of the Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation and the app's creator. "This kind of community support helps patients and caregivers feel understood, informed and supported throughout their cancer journey."
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A cancer social worker for decades, Merrill saw firsthand the power that connection has in this space. On a quest to create something with expansive reach, she took a cue from dating app designs: CancerBuddy users can filter by cancer type, symptoms and personal demographics; they can also search by employer among the thousands of companies listed on the app, leading to connections with any other coworkers who are registered.
Merrill sat down with EBN to discuss the growing need for cancer support from employers, and how community can improve the health trajectory of those impacted by the disease.
Where do you see gaps in cancer support provided through most workers' healthcare plans?
More employees are living and working through cancer treatment, and employers are feeling the impact through rising healthcare costs, leave, productivity challenges and caregiver strain. At the same time, cancer care has become incredibly complex to navigate. Without the right support, companies often see higher costs, extended leaves, productivity loss and even valued employees leaving the workforce altogether.
For HR and benefits leaders, CancerBuddy serves as a valuable support system. Employees receive guidance and peer support, which can complement the care and resources HR teams already provide. It gives HR leaders a trusted place to direct employees so they can access specialized support during an incredibly difficult time.
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Why is a sense of community so important for those going through or caring for someone with cancer?
Beyond the emotional weight of the diagnosis, treatment itself can physically separate people from their normal lives. Many cancer treatments weaken the immune system, leaving patients immunocompromised and at higher risk for infections. As a result, people undergoing treatment often avoid public places, gatherings and even routine social interactions out of fear of getting sick. Caregivers may also limit their own activities for the same reason. This necessary isolation can make both patients and caregivers feel cut off from their usual support networks.
A 2024 American Cancer Society study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that cancer survivors with the highest levels of loneliness faced a 67% greater mortality risk compared to those with strong social connection. Loneliness in the cancer journey carries measurable health consequences.
At the same time, cancer forces people to navigate complex medical decisions, uncertainty, and fear—experiences that even well-meaning friends and colleagues may not fully understand. The app aims to ensure that even during the most isolating parts of cancer treatment, no one has to go through it alone.
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Why is it important for employers to simply let employees know that resources like this exist
A cancer diagnosis often throws people into immediate crisis mode. In those first moments, employees and their families are overwhelmed with medical information, appointments and emotional stress, and many simply don't know where to turn for guidance.
At the same time, some employees may hesitate to disclose their diagnosis to their employer or manager. They may fear being treated differently, losing opportunities, or even risking their job. Because of this, many people try to navigate cancer quietly and may not reach out to HR or workplace resources unless they know there are supportive options available.
When employers proactively communicate that cancer support resources exist, it sends a powerful message that the organization cares about the well-being of its people and that help is available. Awareness alone can reduce anxiety and help employees feel less alone during an incredibly difficult time. This can lead to better-supported individuals and a healthier, more resilient workforce.
