Work and cancer

Being diagnosed with cancer can be one of the most difficult situations that anyone has to face. It can cause great fear and worry, and can affect every aspect of your life, including your ability to work.

Many cancers can be cured. But the tests and treatments needed for cancer may mean spending some time in hospital. Treatments may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or other drugs that can cause unpleasant side effects.

The symptoms of cancer or the side effects of treatment may reduce your ability to work. For some people this will be temporary but for others it may be permanent. Some people may need to make changes to their work, such as changing patterns of work or working from home.

People have different views about work. For some, it is the centre of their lives and they would feel lost without it. For others, it’s a means to an end: something they would give up if they could.

For some people, cancer and its treatment will be a challenge; something to get through so they can get back to their normal life, including work. For other people, it will be an opportunity to rethink their lives and consider retraining, retiring or taking early retirement.

Working during treatment

Some people choose to carry on working, either full-time or part-time, during their treatment. Some people need to carry on working as much as possible for financial reasons.

Before treatment, it’s often difficult to know exactly how the treatment may affect you and it will help to let your employer know this, so that they are aware you may need to change your work plans at short notice.

If your employer knows that you have cancer they can help you by providing support and giving you information about your rights. They can also make sure that you have time off if you need it and that you get all the financial help and benefits you are entitled to. You can talk directly to your employer, your human resources manager or occupational health department, your trade union, or all four.

If carrying on as normal is important for you, you should say this to your employer so that they can support you in continuing with your work. However, if you can’t go on working normally because of the cancer or its treatment, then let your employer know. Arrangements can then be made to alter your work or give you time off if necessary.

If you would like to talk to someone about this please contact our Psycho-Oncology team.

Source: Macmillan UK