Cancer & Work

In the UK, 276,678 persons were diagnosed with cancer in 2003. Four types; breast, lung, bowel (colorectal) and prostate account for over half of all new cases of cancer.

Some people choose to carry on working, either full-time or part-time, during their treatment following a diagnosis of cancer. Some people need to carry on working as much as possible for financial reasons. Before treatment it is often difficult to know exactly how the treatment may affect an employee and it is often helpful for employers to know this so that they are aware they may need to be flexible in how they support the employee during their treatment and recovery.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person because of their disability. Everyone with cancer is classed as disabled under the DDA and so is protected by this Act.

The DDA covers workers who were disabled in the past, even if they are no longer disabled. For example, a worker who had a cancer in the past that has been successfully treated and is now ‘cured’ will still be covered by the DDA. So, their employer must not discriminate against them for a reason relating to their past cancer.

The Act also states that employers are expected to make reasonable adjustments to support employees with disabilities in the workplace. For some this will support them to sustain their attendance at work or enable a successful return to work following a long period of sickness absence due to cancer.

Useful links

www.cancerbackup.org.uk - Useful information on coping with side effects and symptoms as well as good work planning tips.
www.cancerbackup.org.uk - Useful information on taking time off from work during cancer treatment.
www.cancerbackup.org.uk - Information on talking to work colleagues about a cancer diagnosis.
www.cancerbackup.org.uk - Information on talking to an employer about a cancer diagnosis.
www.cancerbackup.org.uk - How employers can help.