Articles
Blogs and articles written for various organisations about managing work and cancer. We have organised these according to whether you are: someone who has/has had cancer; an HR professional or a policy maker about managing cancer in the workplace; a line manager; a carer, colleague or supporter of someone with cancer. Choose from the options below:
Or, click here to view a full list of articles.
Cancer During Covid and My Game of Sick Leave Roulette
Posted: 11th October 2021
Guest writer, Sarah Casemore, talks about her cancer diagnosis at the start of Covid, and treatment during lockdown. ‘In April 2020 at the start of Covid-19 lockdown, aged 48 with 2 teenage sons, I felt a lump in my left breast in what can only be described as feeling like a hard lemon pip whilst… [Read More]
The End of Furlough, Redundancy, and Its Implications For Cancer Survivors
Posted: 11th October 2021
In this article, WWC Associate Génevie Kuiper-Isaacson, provides some useful information for cancer survivors on what may happen now the furlough scheme has ended. ‘At the end of September 2021, the Furlough scheme came to an end at which point there were 1.8 million people still claiming furlough, equating to 1 in 20 people who… [Read More]
Bring me sunshine! Living with a Melanoma called Melvyn
Posted: 11th October 2021
Guest Writer, Harmer Parr, provides an update on his adventures with Melvyn the Melanoma, since his last article for our website in 2019. ‘In 2017, he’d come back for a third visit, seemingly on a ten-year orbit. This visit was my invitation to the departure lounge, as he’d sprinkled his stardust into a couple more… [Read More]
Finding Balance and Growth – one New Zealand GP’s experience
Posted: 28th July 2021
In this article, Anne Mathieson, a GP based in New Zealand, shares her experience of returning to work after treatment for Stage 3 Bowel Cancer, and just as the COVID pandemic started to unfold. ‘I took a break from working as a GP when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Bowel Cancer in April 2019.… [Read More]
Returning to the workplace after July 19 2021: Tips for those with cancer and those who are immune suppressed either permanently or temporarily
Posted: 19th July 2021
Introduction On 19 July the government lifted the remaining Covid restrictions in England. Face masks are no longer legally required (although guidance suggests wearing masks would still be advisable in enclosed and crowded places, and face masks continue to be mandatory on TfL services) The 2 metre (or 1 metre plus) social distancing rule has… [Read More]
Working with Advanced or Metastatic Cancer
Posted: 30th March 2021
This year Working With Cancer is working to raise awareness of this issue and have invited those with advanced or metastatic cancer, and who are still working, to contribute their stories and photos. Here is one story by Neil Walker, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer at the age of 49. It was… [Read More]
Dealing with ‘Chemo Brain’ at work
Posted: 30th March 2021
In this article, our Associate Isabel van der Ven explains what ‘chemo brain’ is, its impact, how it affected her and most importantly, what you can do to overcome the challenges and frustrations it can cause. Read more here
Living and Working with secondary cancer; my story by Maggie Stephens
Posted: 30th March 2021
Maggie Stephens, business copywriter, editor and presenter, talks about dealing with her secondary breast cancer diagnosis during lockdown last year. “There’s no good time to be told that you have secondary breast cancer, but just before Christmas in the midst of a Covid-19 lockdown definitely wouldn’t have been my first choice … “ Read more… [Read More]
Work and Cancer – the challenges of returning to work during a pandemic
Posted: 23rd February 2021
WWC Associate, Louise Barrett, writes about the challenges of returning to work following cancer treatment – and during a pandemic. Returning to work following cancer treatment is never easy at the best of times. It is often described as feeling like you are jumping on a fast-moving train, bringing with it feelings of anxiety and… [Read More]
Cancer survivorship in Covid-19: A blind-spot for employers?
Posted: 10th February 2021
‘Working age cancer survivors seem to be slipping down the priority list for employers, with many finding it harder to get support to remain in or return to work (RTW) and others feeling that working from home is making them less visible to their bosses, and access to support, workplace adjustments and vocational rehabilitation more… [Read More]