I have an appointment on Monday to confirm what I already know, at 50 and this being my second cancer diagnosis I may decide to refuse treatment, but not sure. My employer has proven to be 'pretty Poor’s if I’m honest and if I’m being totally honest they bully. I took a decision during my first lot of cancer treatment in 2020 to keep things private regarding employer as I felt they were poor and not helpful. So, being 50, and thinking things over, even at this tender hour, when do I stop work? How do I cope financially? I have no pension, no savings that all got eaten up last time but I do not wish to continue with work until the end … So when do I stop work?
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Hi @Za
So sorry to hear of your situation . I would suggest talking jt through with the Nurses on the helpline on 0808 800 6000 from 9am tomorrow who may be able to give you some advice . Also MacMillan are a good resource as regards employment , financial advice and support with working out what benefits you are entitled to if you aren’t working.
I made the mistake of telling too many people that I was going for second screening then couldn’t go into work afterwards when I was told it was cancer because I couldn’t face them so I understand that you want to keep things to yourself and until you know exactly what you’re dealing with that would seem wise to me in regard to your employers. The only thing I would say is that if they think you’re not being straight with them it may make them think they can’t trust you. Cancer and cancer treatments are covered by the Disabilities Act so they should make reasonable adjustments for you but I know that in practice this doesn’t always happen .
When you get your results and treatment plan and you know what js going to happen and when it may help you with your decisions . Sending love xx
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I have found with employer, they don’t trust me, which is neither here nor there, but what they always say is, ’ if you don’t tell us we can’t help you’ but experience of this is ’ I’m not interested so I’ll bully you ’ evidence came when HR informed me that my request for OHT referral was ignored -twice and HR informed me verbally ’ it was felt it would have been a waste of time because you wouldn’t tell them anything '. When they where challenged and confronted about this they denied it! But I believe in letting the rotten fruit fall on its own.
I respect my job and employer, but don’t let them define me. And I just can’t bring myself to discuss my health with them.
I will discuss with Macmillan, but the benefit system well, don’t get me started at how I fall through the gaps here! But here, in UK we are lucky to have it. And I am forever grateful for my employment situation as I’m lucky to have secure employment - just the responsibility is ‘stressful’.
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I’m so sorry to hear that you feel bullied by your employer @Za.
For the purposes of the Equality Act 2010 anyone who has or has had breast cancer is classed as disabled. This protects employees in England, Scotland and Wales from being discriminated against because of their disability. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 protects people living in Northern Ireland.
You cannot lose your job or be treated less favourably for having breast cancer.
If you have breast cancer, employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to help you continue to work, return to work, have time off for medical appointments or for continued treatment and recovery. Your employment rights are protected under the Equality Act 2010.
As @JoanneN mentioned, Macmillan are a great resource to find out more about your rights at work: Macmillan Cancer Support: Cancer and employment rights.
You may also find a podcast we did recently with Barbara from Working with Cancer interesting: Breast Cancer Now / Barbara on Working With Cancer.
Our specialist nurses are very knowledgeable and caring, so please don’t hesitate to give them a ring if you want to chat about this, or anything else. They can be reached on our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 which is open Monday to Friday 9am-4pm and 9am-1pm Saturday.
Sending our warmest,
Lucy
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