However only 6% of respondents said they felt under pressure from employers or colleagues.
Over half (52%) said they felt able to talk openly with colleagues about their feelings and concerns.
A greater awareness among employers about the ongoing effects of cancer after treatment would be helpful, according to a third (33%) of respondents.
Feelings of exhaustion were felt by 24% of women and 16% of men on their return to work after treatment.
The majority, 70% went back to work because they wanted things to be as normal as possible, with 48% enthusiastic to “get back to normal”.
Of those treated for cancer 20% were concerned whether they were still fit for their job when they returned to work.
Self-consciousness going back to work was felt by 26% of women and 15% of men, while 25% felt emotionally drained after treatment.
A temptation to not return to work was felt by 13% of those who had been treated while 52% said it was financially necessary for them to return to work and 30% said they thought it would help their recovery.
Additionally, 28% said they never fully stopped working while receiving treatment while 10% returned part-time while they were being treated.
The research was conducted by YouGov for Bupa and surveyed 205 adults who have completed treatment for cancer and returned to work.
Jayne Molyneux, cancer healthcare manager at Bupa said: “Importantly, this research shows that many patients (33%) would have found it helpful if there was a greater awareness amongst employers about the ongoing effects of cancer after treatment.
“Therefore, employers and colleagues must be aware that not everyone responds to being back in their job in the same way and will require ongoing support in different ways.”
