Your questions answered
- Find out what careers might be right for you: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/skills-assessment
- Finding a new job during or after cancer
- Definition of disability
- Reasonable adjustments at work
- Supporting disabled people at work
- Disability discrimination
- Accessibility at work
- If you have been discriminated against at work
- Booklet – Your rights at work when you are affected by cancer
- Help with the cost of living and cancer
- Financial support to help you stay in work - Access to Work
- State benefits if you have a health condition
- Preventing discrimination
- Booklet – 10 top tips for line managers
- Booklet – Managing cancer in the workplace
- Information for employers
- Audiobook - Talking with someone who has cancer
- Macmillan at Work - training and support for employers
- Consider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training for all staff
I'm worried about cancer. What should I do?
If you’re worried about cancer
If you are worried about unexplained changes to your body, such as the sudden appearance of a lump, blood in your urine or a change to your usual bowel habits, then you should contact your GP surgery as soon as possible.
These symptoms are often caused by other relatively minor illnesses, but it’s vital to get it checked out as soon as possible and to put your mind at rest.
You may be referred to cancer services at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who will make sure you get the tests you need and discuss any care and treatment options. It’s really important you keep your appointment, which could be by phone, video consultation or in person.
If you are diagnosed with some cancers, such as breast, colorectal, prostate or a haematological cancer, then you may be referred to the Macmillan Next Steps Cancer Rehabilitation team at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. They provide services and courses aimed to help support those affected by cancer.
Where can I go for local support?
We are very fortunate in Gloucestershire to have a wide range of local charity, community and business organisations that offer support to people affected by cancer (patients and their loved ones).
Please contact the FOCUS Support and Information Centre or Macmillan Information Hub for more information:
Where can I find out more about cancer?
Here are some links offering a range of information about cancer.
I want to return to work. What advice and support is there?
Looking for a new direction for your working life?
Legislation in the Workplace – your rights as an employee
Anyone that has a cancer diagnosis is automatically covered under the Equality Act 2010 which means that they are considered disabled (whether this is how they see themselves or not) meaning they would be protected against any disability discrimination. Under this legislation employers must make reasonable adjustments for their staff when required.
Flexible Working guidance
I’m Self employed, what guidance will help me?
Financial Support and Benefits
Reasonable Adjustments
Audiobooks and Podcasts around Work & Cancer
Letting work colleagues know about a cancer diagnosis
Other helpful resources
As an employer, how can I support a person planning to return to work?
Welcoming and supporting people back into the workplace
Advice for employers
Guidance for Small businesses
Other helpful resources