Disability or not?

Life after a breast cancer diagnosis Work, finance and travel
1

Hi all,

Hope I’m posting in the right section - wasn’t sure…

I was diagnosed with IDC Grade 2 in February 2020, surgery in March 2020 (where DCIS was discovered in the non-diseased breast following breast reduction at the same time as lumpectomy on the IDC), commenced Tamoxifen 2 weeks post surgery and underwent 5 day Fast Forward bilateral radiotherapy in May (slightly delayed because of the beginning of the pandemic and lockdown).

I remember my Breast Care Nurse telling me that once I had been diagnosed with cancer, I was registered as Disabled under the Disability Act, making sure my employer treated me favourably etc.

I was given the ‘all clear’ - if there is such a status - at my 2 week post surgery follow up and my annual mammogram this March showed no signs of concern.

I still take Tamoxifen daily (yes, stating the obvious!) but my question is, now that I am medically free of Cancer, does that mean I am no longer disabled?
Would be interested if anyone knew the answer or what others’ take on the subject was.

X

2

Hi

I don’t have the answer to your question but I am certain that if your ring the Macmillan helpline and choose the employment/work option, you’ll be able to talk to someone well-informed on the issue. You are registered as disabled under the Equalities Act and, yes, that entitles you to more favourable consideration, like phased return, adapted hours etc. My common sense suggests that, although physically you are now cancer free (WELL DONE!), emotionally you still have a lot to deal with so your employment rights should remain the same, giving you certain rights to make your task easier.

I hope you find the answers. All the best x

3

The disability status is for anyone who has or *has had* cancer, so yes, you still qualify! (this is for the UK)

From cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/practically/the-disability-discrimination-act-equality-act-and-cancer

"The Equality Act applies to people with cancer or those who have had cancer in the past. All cancers are included. "