Return to work or education

Keeping up with work or studying or returning after a cancer diagnosis can be a significant step in recovery. While many people are keen to regain a sense of normality and routine, it is also common to experience physical, emotional and practical challenges. Everyone’s experience is different, and there is no right or wrong timeline for returning to work or education.

Keeping up at work, college or university or looking for a new job, can be a challenge, but there is plenty you can do to make things easier.

During treatment, legally you don’t have to tell your employer if you have been diagnosed with cancer. But if you don’t tell them, they don’t have any obligation to make reasonable adjustments to help you. Reasonable adjustments can include things like giving you time off to go to the hospital or doctors’ appointments, giving you extra breaks and letting you return to work gradually.

Don’t rush into anything, if you have had a cancer diagnosis and are thinking about quitting your job- don’t do anything before you have fully considered your options.

Ready to return to work?

Going back to work if you have taken time off for cancer treatment can feel like a big step forward. But it is important not to rush this and not expect too much of yourself when you return. If you are going back to your old job, your employer has a duty to make changes that could help you. If you are looking at a new role, there is no reason that cancer should stop you landing that job.

Recovery from cancer treatment can take time. Even after treatment has finished, you may continue to experience:

• Fatigue or reduced energy levels
• Changes in concentration, memory or confidence
• Pain, stiffness or reduced physical function
• Emotional challenges such as anxiety or low mood
• Ongoing medical appointments and follow-up care

It is important to be realistic about what you can manage and to recognise that recovery is often gradual.

Planning Your Return

Before returning, consider:

Your Physical Health

Ask yourself:

• How is my energy level throughout the day?
• Can I manage travel to and from work or education?
• Are there physical aspects of my role or course that may be challenging?
• Do I need any equipment, adaptations or support?

Your Emotional Wellbeing

Returning may bring mixed emotions. It is normal to feel:

• Excited
• Nervous
• Anxious about performance
• Concerned about how others may react

Talking with family, friends, healthcare professionals or support services can help you feel more prepared.

Workload and Expectations

Open communication can help ensure appropriate support is available. Remember, you decide how much information you want to share about your diagnosis and treatment.

It may be helpful to discuss:

• Any ongoing symptoms or treatment effects
• Adjustments you might need
• Flexible working or study arrangements
• Time off for medical appointments
• A plan for gradually increasing your workload

Consider whether a phased return may be appropriate and possible. This could include:

• Reduced hours initially
• Flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid or remote working
• Gradually increasing responsibilities
• Additional breaks throughout the day

For education, this might involve:

• Reduced study hours
• Extended deadlines
• Part-time attendance
• Learning support services

Resources

Macmillan provides a range of information and resources to support you with talking to your employer, specific guidance for those that are self-employed, shares links for employment rights and resources to support you in work. Including this booklet.

Access to work  can help fund practical support such as specialist equipment and work place adaptations and job coaching.

Macmillan also provides guidance for employers, to help them to support their colleagues affected by cancer. Macmillan at work offers training and resources.