Work and cancer

This section aims to help people with cancer find the information they need to understand how cancer and its treatment will affect their ability to work.

It provides information to help you cope with any work issues you may face, and includes information about employment rights. There is advice about coping with the effects| of treatment, such as tiredness, and tips on talking about cancer with your employer| and colleagues| . It may also help employers to support employees who have 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.

Most of the information in this section is aimed at people who are employed in a company, but there is a section for people who are self-employed| . The section on financial issues| applies to all people who are working.