Talking about cancer at work

Many employers and work colleagues are supportive of people with cancer. Some people may worry their employer will not support them, will sack (dismiss) them or will find an excuse to make them redundant.

This should not happen. If you have cancer, the law considers this a disability. This means you cannot be treated differently because you have cancer. That would be discrimination.

You may want to talk to:

• your line manager
• your human resources (HR) manager
• an occupational health adviser
• a trade union representative.

You should ask for the conversation to be in a private place and not be rushed. If you feel nervous, you could take someone with you.

If your employer or manager knows about your illness, you may be able to talk together about reasonable adjustments. These are changes that can help you keep working or return to work. If you do not tell your employer about your illness, it could cause problems later if you cannot do your job properly.

We have more information about the laws that protect you at work. For more advice, you can also speak to a Macmillan work support adviser by calling 0808 808 00 00.

Talking to people at work can help them support you. You may decide to tell people you feel closest to first.

Decide who to tell

Telling the people you work with that you have cancer can be difficult. You may worry about how to tell them or their reactions.

You may decide to tell people you feel closest to first. They may be able to help you plan how to tell others.

It is a good idea to contact your manager or human resources (HR or personnel) department early on. We have more information about work and cancer.

If you are self-employed, you might not need to tell any business contacts about the cancer. However, they may need to know if your business agreements will be affected.

Some people prefer not to tell people at work that they have cancer. They may want to keep one area of their life as normal as possible. This can be a good way of coping for some people.

You may find the effects of cancer or cancer treatment, and the need to take time off, makes it difficult not to tell colleagues. People you work with may be aware that something is different, and may feel uncomfortable if they do not know what it is.

It may help to take some time to think about the benefits and disadvantages of telling people. You could talk to Macmillan's cancer support specialists on 0808 808 00 00.

If you are self-employed, you may feel there are fewer people you can talk to. This can feel isolating. You can call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 to talk:

• about how you are feeling
• to a work support adviser or financial guide, who can give guidance on the practical needs of you and your business.

Someone who works in the same area of work may also be able to give you advice on your business.

When you are self-employed, other people or businesses may rely on you to deliver goods or services. They may also rely on your payments. They might need to know you have cancer. You will have to balance your feelings about telling people with the needs of your business.

But some people and businesses may not need to know. It is your choice whether to tell them. It may be hard to tell people about the cancer. But it might mean they can give you practical and emotional support.