Work and cancer stories
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, diagnosed with breast cancer
Priti, diagnosed with leukaemia
Julia, diagnosed with ovarian cancer
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.
Georgina's story
Mhairi's story
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.”
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Employers
Judy, who supported her employee Julia at work when she was diagnosed with cancer
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
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Self-employment and cancer
You'll probably 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.
Lloyd, diagnosed with lung cancer
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Financial impacts
"I explained my situation and Fiona (my benefits advisor) 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."
"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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Working while caring
If you are caring for someone with cancer, this may have an impact on work. Here some carers share their experience with work.
Anthony, cared for his wife Louise when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour
"It was a very difficult, anxious juggling act. However, my workplace were very supportive and flexible and I took a mix of carers leave, compassionate leave, holiday and could do some work from home. This did reduce my stress and fears a lot as I felt more confident that I would be able to maintain my job and care for Louise."
Chris, carer for his wife Millie who was diagnosed with bowel cancer
"Once I found out that Millie was sick I delayed starting my new job, so I could care for her. That left us pretty tight financially. I took on various odd jobs."
Claire, cared for her sister when she was diagnosed with cancer
"When I realised there was a decline in my sister’s health, I called my work. I said I was terrified of losing my job, but that she needed 24/7 care so I couldn’t work at that time. When they said there was no way I would lose my job, it was a massive relief. I felt like somebody cared."
Jane, cared for her husband when he was diagnosed with cancer
"I had a flexible employer who let me work around my husband’s hospital appointments and chemotherapy. I had to switch off from the cancer when I was at work, so it gave me an “escape” as soon as I walked through the office doors."
Information and support
Macmillan is here to support you.
- Call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00
- Chat to our specialists online
- Find out how Macmillan can help with money and work
- Read the answers to commonly asked questions about work and cancer.
More stories like this
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Stories 09 Nov 2022Jenny and Lesley share how getting the right financial support can make such a difference when you are living with cancer.
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Stories 10 Oct 2023Here we ask people who were diagnosed with breast cancer and found support through Macmillan about their experiences. They answer questions about their symptoms, emotions, and the support that helped...
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Stories 01 Dec 2022Melanie has lived experience of cancer and has gone through the pathway of psychological services support with Macmillan.
