Cancer patients 'face work-related stress'

Around a quarter of UK cancer patients are dealing with work-related stress because of a lack of support, a charity says.

Around a quarter of UK cancer sufferers deal with work-related stress, a study has revealed. (AAP)

An "unacceptable" number of cancer patients are dealing with work-related stress because of a lack of support, a charity has said.

More than a quarter (27%) of people with the disease received no assistance to help them return to work after their diagnosis from employers, the government or the NHS, a Macmillan Cancer Support survey found.

Meanwhile, one in 10 (10%) said they felt pressured into going back to work before they were ready and 10% said they felt the need to cover up symptoms such as fatigue and sickness when there.

The charity warned employers that they could be breaking the law by not supporting people diagnosed with the disease.

Cancer diagnosis is classed as a disability under equality legislation, which means patients are entitled to reasonable changes in the workplace.

This includes time off for medical appointments and a more flexible working routine to help deal with symptoms.

A total of 1,507 people in the UK took part in the charity's survey.