Work and cancer resources

If you are working and have been diagnosed with cancer there can be a lot to think about. We have information to help you with the practical, financial and emotional impacts of managing work and cancer.
Work and cancer
Having cancer may affect your ability to work. This page answers commonly asked questions about cancer and work. This includes your legal rights and sick pay options.
Talking to your employer

Talking to your employer about your cancer can help them to understand what support you might need. This may include making changes to your work.
Coping at work during treatment

The impact cancer treatment has on your work will depend on your situation. Find out more about the support you can get at work during treatment.
Discrimination at work
If you have or have had cancer, the law considers this as a disability and protects you from different types of discrimination.
Cancer and employment rights
Employment rights protect employees with cancer from being treated unfairly. Find out more about different types of discrimination.
Making decisions about work after treatment

Deciding what to do about work after you have finished cancer treatment can depend on your situation. Find out more about the choices you may need to make.
Returning to work
If you are thinking about going back to work after cancer treatment, we have information about how to manage the transition. Find out more about getting employer support.
Stopping work

Stopping work because of cancer, either for a while or permanently, is a difficult decision to make. Find out more about things you may need to think about.
Finding a new job

Find information and support if you are considering a new job during or after cancer treatment.
Self-employment and cancer

Knowing how cancer may affect you if you are self-employed can be difficult. Read more about this and decisions you may need to make.
Working while caring for someone

You are a carer if you give any unpaid help or support to someone with cancer who could not manage without your help. Balancing working and caring can be difficult.
Work and cancer FAQs
You may not know how cancer will affect your work now and in the future. Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about work and cancer.

How we can help

Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. If you need to talk, we'll listen. 

 

Call us on 0808 808 00 00
8am to 8pm. It's free to call from landlines and mobiles within the UK.
Chat online
Every day 8am - 8pm.
Email us
Get in touch via this form
Online Community

Chat online anonymously to others who understand what you are going through. Our community is available 24/7 and has dedicated forums where you can get advice and ask our experts.
Find local cancer support services
What's going on near you? Find out about support groups, where to get information and how to get involved with Macmillan where you live.
Get help