Work and cancer stories

Story
Published: 28 November 2023
If you are affected by cancer, you may be wondering about how this could affect work. On this page, some of Macmillan's storytellers discuss common concerns about work and cancer.

Cancer experience at work

Cancer can affect many things in your life - including work. You may be diagnosed with cancer or experience side effects whilst working. You may also need extra support to continue to work.

Cathy on the impact of cancer on work

 
Helen sitting in a coffee shop smiling

Helen, diagnosed with breast cancer

“I managed to continue work for a full 12 months from day of diagnosis. I worked in a school with a wonderful HR support team during the initial 12 months of treatments and chemotherapy sessions. It made me feel “very normal” at the time even when wearing a wig and feeling a little rough on some days. I felt wanted, I enjoyed my job and had a purpose and gave me other things to concentrate on. I then took early retirement due to ill health.”

Priti, diagnosed with leukaemia

"From day one of my diagnosis I received fantastic support from my employers and was always told not to worry. Not once was I asked ‘when are you coming back to work’. I received constant contact and communication from work which was always initiated by them."
Julia standing in office holding a book and smiling.

Julia, diagnosed with ovarian cancer

"During my chemotherapy I had appointments once every three weeks and there was no problem in getting the time off work. During my chemotherapy I was tired and I had to be careful not to be surrounded by germs. Teaching in front of a class can be very full on and so changes were put in place so I could come back to work, as I wanted to do, but my responsibilities and the type of work I did changed."

Helen shares her experience in the Talking Cancer podcast

In our Talking Cancer podcast, Helen shares her personal experience of being diagnosed with cancer 6 times across 30 years due to a hereditary gene. The podcast focuses on Helen's experiences around work, career and finances. 

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Returning to work after treatment

Going back to work after treatment may feel like a big step. You might be looking forward to returning or feel nervous.

A public footpath sign in the countryside with a Macmillan logo attached to the post. There is grass and trees in the background.

Shell's story

"Being so young whilst having cancer, sometimes I convince myself I don’t need help, but they have shown me that support is available for any age and you shouldn’t be afraid to reach out and admit you can’t do it all yourself sometimes. It has allowed me to focus more on getting better and my own health, rather than worrying about everything else I need to sort out in my general life."
A video still from a YouTube video titled My Fight Back to Work. The video is part of Macmillan's Digital Storytelling project. The still shows a photo of old books that are viewed from their spines.

Kimberley's story

"Throughout that whole time of surgery, my Macmillan Nurse, Lisa, was in contact with me. It was so many phone calls, questions, concerns. I repeated all my questions, and I think Lisa repeated all her answers! It was everything I knew but it was that reassurance I needed. Sometimes I was crying and upset and she didn’t need to say anything, she just listened – and that’s all that was needed." 
A green speech bubble.

Priti, diagnosed with leukaemia

“I wanted to keep mentally charged so I asked work if I could come in for a few hours a day. They said yes and recommended that I come back for a few days a week and only work a few hours each day. It was all played-by-ear and dependent upon how I was feeling.”

A green speech bubble.

Online Community member

"I returned to work and felt like life should return to normal, however I just feel low and anxious a lot of the time. I've only discussed this with my husband and a couple of close friends as I feel guilty for feeling like this. I am so lucky that my cancer was removed with surgery alone...but I seem to be unable to move forward."

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Employers

Managers and employers play an important role in supporting people with cancer and their carers. Here some employers tell us about how they supported their employees.

Judy, who supported her employee Julia at work when she was diagnosed with cancer

"I hadn’t been in that situation before, where I needed to manage someone who would be facing cancer. I didn’t know what to expect. The challenge for me was getting the balance right in terms of work. I knew she wanted to come back, but didn’t want her doing too much too soon. Listen to what they want and talk with them about how they are and the cancer. By listening to them, you can come up with a plan that works for the individual and the organisation."
Juan sits smiling.

Juan, diagnosed with testicular cancer

"That person is going through the most traumatic time of their lives both mentally and physically. As an employer, you must do everything you can to support them. Showing them loyalty at this time may make them want to do everything to give back when they are well."

Karin, diagnosed with breast cancer

When Karin told her employer about her breast cancer diagnosis, they told her she didn't need to come in to work, even though she wanted to. This meant that Karin's pay was affected and her mental health deteriorated. “If people ask me what my employer could’ve done differently, it’s very simple, they could’ve just listened to what I wanted. I wanted to feel heard so I could plan how to cope and move forwards with everything. I wanted to work and be supported to return to a job I loved. I wish my employer had just taken the time to listen to me, to my concerns and my suggestions.”

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Self-employment and cancer

You may have questions about how cancer will affect your business if you are self-employed.  This is what people in a similar position had to say.

A green speech bubble.

Sandra, diagnosed with breast cancer

"During my treatment, my business took a back seat. Therefore my income decreased and I had difficulty meeting bill payments. This was a heavy burden. Essential matters like heating were an issue for me and at times I would switch off the heating and walk around the house with my house coat on to keep warm and save on energy usage. I remember speaking to my supplier and asked if there was anything they could do to help. They said they were sorry but nothing was available. I was distraught. After speaking to a Macmillan advisor I was informed that they did have a scheme where my costs could be capped for 2 years. This was a great relief to me. However, it would have been helpful months before. If I was informed by my supplier, instead of worrying about heating bills, my recovery could have been my main concern at the time."

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Financial impacts

Cancer can have an impact on your finances, regardless of your work situation.  There is help available.
Shola on the street smiling.
Shola, diagnosed with thymus cancer

"I explained my situation and a Macmillan money adviser was very understanding and warm. She told me I had a good case and would possibly be awarded the benefit I was applying for. So I went away feeling more reassured about my financial situation."

Jenny, diagnosed with breast cancer
"I really struggled to talk about my financial situation until I spoke to Macmillan. My Macmillan money adviser, literally did everything for me – from arranging a one-off grant to applying for benefits. In the end, opening up about my finances was the best thing I could have done and gave me one less thing to worry about."
Zizi sits on a green armchair smiling.
Zizi, diagnosed with sarcoma

"I felt the cost of cancer despite being with an amazing employer who has kept me on full pay. I was not aware until too late that despite working I may have been eligible for PIP."

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Information and support

Macmillan is here to support you.

Booklets
 01 Aug 2023
Work and cancer
This booklet is about work and cancer. It explains how cancer and its treatments can affect your work life. It...
Booklets
 01 Sep 2023
Work and cancer - easy read
An easy read booklet about how cancer can affect your job, what your rights are and where to get more support....

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Financial and work
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