Two women are having a conversation using British Sign Language

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 

This is an awareness day observed by the United Nations on December 3 every year since 1992 to 'promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.' 

Cancer as a disability - your rights

16 million people in the UK had a disability in 2021-22 according to research by the Department of Work and Pensions. This represents 24% of the total population.

Cancer is legally defined as a disability under the Equality Act in England, Scotland and Wales, and the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland.

This legal definition brings protection by law against discrimination. This means you cannot be treated less favourably than other people because you have cancer, or for reasons connected to the cancer, in relation to:

  • employment
  • education
  • access to goods, services and facilities
  • renting or buying property.

In England, Scotland and Wales the Equality Act 2010 applies to people with cancer or those who have had cancer in the past. It also protects your rights if you have an association with a disabled person, for example if you are their carer or parent. This is known as 'discrimination by association'.

You can find out more about your rights as a disabled person on gov.uk (for England, Scotland and Wales) and nidirect.gov.uk (for Northern Ireland).

 

How Macmillan can help

If you have been diagnosed with cancer we have more information about your employment rights and protection against discrimination.

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. You can get in touch with our advisors for free for emotional support and for specialist advice around things like work or financial guidance. 

Find out about the different kinds of specialist advice you can get from the Macmillan Support Line.

A woman is looking at cancer information booklets on display. She is wearing a blue headscarf and sitting in her wheelchair.

If you have cancer and another disability

The Cancer Inequalities Literature Review (2022) carried out by Macmillan found that people who have a disability experience discrimination in cancer care. This can lead to later diagnosis and poorer treatment, care and support.

  • People with physical disabilities report challenges accessing certain medical facilities or tests, as these cannot be adapted to meet their physical needs. 
  • People with learning disabilities are less likely to take-up screening as they do not receive the support they need to do so.

A lack of accessible information does not just negatively impact diagnosis; it may also have a negative impact on experiences of treatment and care. Without sufficient background information, people will not be able to ask appropriate questions or make informed decisions about their treatment and care. 


Accessing Macmillan information and services

We want to make our information and support available to everyone who needs it:

  • Find out about the different ways you can get in touch with our Support Line advisers, including phone, email, chat online, text relay and via an interpreting service.
  • Access or request our information in other languages and formats such as Easy Read booklets, audiobooks and British Sign Language videos.
  • Read our accessibility statement to find out how we're working to make our information as accessible as possible.

Related resources

Videos
 17 Jun 2019
What is cancer? (BSL)
This video explains what cancer is, how it develops, what a biopsy is and what lymph nodes are. (British Sign Language enabled).    
What is cancer easy read booklet cover MAC16346_ER_E05
Booklets
 01 Dec 2022
What is cancer? - easy read
An easy read booklet that explains what cancer is. Our easy read booklets use simple language and pictures to tell you about cancer.
MAC5765_E08_The cancer guide audiobook cover
Audiobooks
 25 Apr 2022
The cancer guide
This audiobook is about cancer treatment and care. It explains the different stages people go through when they have cancer, the roles of various cancer care professionals and how to get additional support. Being diagnosed with cancer can be a huge shock. You may be feeling lots of different emotions. But it does not mean you have to give up hope. Many people are now treated successfully or able to live with cancer for many years. There are lots of people and services that can support you.

How you can get involved

Lots of people all dressed in green Macmillan tops standing on Westminster Bridge in London with Big Ben in the backgroundLots of people all dressed in green Macmillan tops standing on Westminster Bridge in London with Big Ben in the background
Campaign with us
Take part in our campaigns to make a positive difference. 
Join over 25,000 people across the UK, who are campaigning for better support for people living with cancer.
A woman preparing to have her hair shaved by someone holding electric clippers.A woman preparing to have her hair shaved by someone holding electric clippers.
Fundraise
We have lots of accessible fundraising ideas and events to join. Team Macmillan will support you every step of the way to help you raise money for people affected by cancer.
Errol, diagnosed with prostate cancer, sitting on some steps in a garage.Errol, diagnosed with prostate cancer, sitting on some steps in a garage.
Share your story
If you or a loved one have been affected by cancer, we want to hear about your experience.
Your story can help us achieve change. Get involved in a variety of projects and events.
A man with a Macmillan bucket in a Boots storeA man with a Macmillan bucket in a Boots store
Volunteer
Make a real difference in the lives of people affected by cancer by volunteering with us. We have roles to suit you, wherever your skills lie and however much time you can give.
More cancer awareness dates