Time off work - Cancer

[BananaChipmiffin]

I've name changed and I'm not going to say my role in this issue, I just want opinions, because there have been various responses in my workplace.

If a colleague was diagnosed with cancer (treatable, good prognosis and they're not actively physically unwell) would you expect them to go off sick immediately and return after treatment/recovery or take a few days/a week to come to terms with the diagnosis, tell family etc. and then return to work until treatment starts? With paid time off for appointments as needed.

If treatment is in several phases, would you expect them (if well enough) to return to work in between or to stay off until it's all done?

Do you have an occupational health department who can support you through this? I’m a cancer specialist nurse and would be advising you to take as much time off as you need. Please don’t be pressured into working by the workplace culture. There are times in life to be selfish and this is definitely one of them. Some people prefer to work when they can and others prefer to take time off. There’s really no right or wrong, it’s entirely guided by how you feel personally and no one else can make that decision for you. Macmillan have some really helpful guidance in your rights at work when you have a cancer diagnosis and can also provide you with financial advice if that’s something that would be helpful. I don’t know where you are in the country but Maggie’s Centres are also able to offer support.

www.macmillan.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/your-rights-at-work?&infinity=ict2~net~gaw~ar~556873063143~kw~working%20with%20cancer~mt~b~cmp~G_PS_RAW_UK_GEN_Rights_B~ag~Work%2BWith%2BCancer&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmouZBhDSARIsALYcoupr0fyrX48E1i-ZxZxrG8AdJChGQ2ZjZd66mvEWY3ArgVwqY6xJNksaAkEMEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I had two operations, and 30 cycles of radio along with days where chemo was combined with radio. After the first op, I was back at work after three days (because I felt well enough)....work wanted me to have time off....I said I was fine. After the second op I wanted to come back once I'd recovered after a couple of weeks, but work said no, stay off until radio and chemo had finished. Radio and chemo started 6 weeks after second op and finished in Feb this year. I went back to work on a phased return in March as I was bored...that's how I knew I was well enough, because there were days when I could barely function as a result of the treatment. To be fair, my employer was amazing, I couldn't have asked for more, and I realise how lucky I am working for them.

OP I'm sorry you're not feeling the same.....your employer should do more for you, however when I talk to people affected by this shitty disease, I realise that all employers are not the same, and some are downright barbaric the way they treat their employees.

Virtual hugs and flowers for you.....

We do have access to Occupational Health and I can self refer if I need to.

I'm usually one for going into work before I'm fully fit but I'm determined to take the time I need this time.

@Flippidyflap that is such a helpful post for people in OP's situation.

Set the tone with your work now OP. I’m had breast cancer 4 years ago and still have yearly mammograms which make me anxious.

This. I made VERY sure my managers were aware of my diagnosis and that cancer is automatically a disability. I was able to work full time because my treatment is oral chemo, and all I needed was time off for blood tests and consultations with the oncologist every few months. Had I needed reasonable adjustments I'd have had no hesitation.