A cancer diagnosis can affect every part of your life, so it’s no surprise that you may have to make adjustments to your working life after you’re diagnosed.
Depending on the type of cancer you have, it may be possible for you to continue working. But equally, you may have to take some time off for treatment or because of the symptoms you’re experiencing. That raises the question of whether you let your employer know about your diagnosis.
Talk to your employer
It’s up to you whether you discuss your diagnosis with your employer. If you do, you’ll find that they can help support you as you deal with the changes you're going through.
This support could make your day-to-day life easier. It could also make all the difference to whether you can stay in work or how soon you can return if you need to take time off for treatment.
It’s worth checking your company’s guidelines and sickness policy before speaking to your employer. If you’re a member of a union, they may also have resources that could help you.
Know your rights
Most employers will treat you with empathy, and they are legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to help you.
In the UK, the law protects you as soon as you are diagnosed with cancer. That protection extends to when you’re in remission too. Plus, it applies to employees, and job applicants.
It covers any kind of discrimination, including things like:
- not making reasonable changes to allow you to do your job
- giving you a warning for taking a lot of time off sick but not taking your cancer diagnosis into account
- suggesting it would be better for you to retire or stop working
- dismissing you for a reason related to your cancer
- demoting you to a lower-paid or less demanding job because of your cancer
- making it difficult for you to get any sick pay you are entitled to
- harassing, bullying, intimidating, insulting or making you feel uncomfortable, for example with comments about hair loss or being whispered about by your colleagues.
You may also have legal protection if you are caring for someone with cancer. This is a complex area of employment law, so if you think you’ve been treated unfairly because you’re caring for – or associated with – someone who has cancer, we suggest you review your company's Carer Leave policy and take advice from a legal professional if required.
Remember it’s about you
Whatever you decide to do, remember this is about what’s best for you, and that will depend on your individual work, health and financial circumstances.
It’s best not to rush into any decision. Take your time and talk to your cancer team and your employer about your options.
You could also talk to organisations like Macmillan Cancer Support or Citizens Advice to get extra help.
