Work and cancer stories

Story
Published: 28 November 2023
If you are affected by cancer, you may be wondering about how this could affect work. On this page, some of Macmillan's storytellers discuss common concerns about work and cancer.

Cancer experience at work

Helen sitting in a coffee shop smiling

Helen, diagnosed with breast cancer

Priti, diagnosed with leukaemia

Julia standing in office holding a book and smiling.

Julia, diagnosed with ovarian cancer

Helen shares her experience in the Talking Cancer podcast

In our Talking Cancer podcast, Helen shares her personal experience of being diagnosed with cancer 6 times across 30 years due to a hereditary gene. The podcast focuses on Helen's experiences around work, career and finances. 

Returning to work after treatment

A public footpath sign in the countryside with a Macmillan logo attached to the post. There is grass and trees in the background.

Shell's story

"Being so young whilst having cancer, sometimes I convince myself I don’t need help, but they have shown me that support is available for any age and you shouldn’t be afraid to reach out and admit you can’t do it all yourself sometimes. It has allowed me to focus more on getting better and my own health, rather than worrying about everything else I need to sort out in my general life."
A video still from a YouTube video titled My Fight Back to Work. The video is part of Macmillan's Digital Storytelling project. The still shows a photo of old books that are viewed from their spines.

Kimberley's story

"Throughout that whole time of surgery, my Macmillan Nurse, Lisa, was in contact with me. It was so many phone calls, questions, concerns. I repeated all my questions, and I think Lisa repeated all her answers! It was everything I knew but it was that reassurance I needed. Sometimes I was crying and upset and she didn’t need to say anything, she just listened – and that’s all that was needed." 
A green speech bubble.

Priti, diagnosed with leukaemia

A green speech bubble.

Online Community member

Employers

Judy, who supported her employee Julia at work when she was diagnosed with cancer

Juan sits smiling.

Juan, diagnosed with testicular cancer

Karin, diagnosed with breast cancer

Self-employment and cancer

A green speech bubble.

Sandra, diagnosed with breast cancer

Financial impacts

Cancer can have an impact on your finances, regardless of your work situation.  There is help available.
Shola on the street smiling.
Shola, diagnosed with thymus cancer
Jenny, diagnosed with breast cancer
Zizi sits on a green armchair smiling.
Zizi, diagnosed with sarcoma

Information and support

Macmillan is here to support you.