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Returning to Work

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Thinking of returning to work?

Going back to work after treatment is not always easy – something that people with Head and Neck Cancer in the UK & Ireland have known for a long time.

The 2019 Beyond Clinical Outcomes Report highlighted that following treatment for Head and Neck Cancer, 23% fewer people were in full-time work, compared with before.

The long-term physical effects of Head and Neck Cancer treatment can make simple tasks at work, like having a chat with a colleague, or presenting a new idea, more challenging.

That’s why we partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb and the Head and Neck Cancer Community to develop the Back-to-Work Guide; a co-created resource designed to help people living with Head and Neck Cancer feel more confident when returning to work.

The Back-to-Work Guide contains useful information about the rights for a person with cancer, solutions to overcome some of the typical challenges people may face, considerations for whether returning to the same employer, or looking for a new job, and more!

Whilst this guide does not guarantee someone will return to work, it aims to help them feel more confident when assessing options and making a plan, so they can hopefully return to work in the right way.

“It's been great to collaborate with the team on this project. Patient expertise and experience has been leveraged, from conception to dissemination, to help head and neck cancer patients with the difficult task of returning to work after treatment.” Emma Kinloch, Salivary Gland Cancer UK.

Click here to download the guide.  

If you have any questions, or would like to share any further feedback on the Back-to-Work Guide, please email [email protected]

ONC-GB-2300190 | April 2023

UK Governments Access To Work Scheme

Access To Work

Have you heard about the government's 'Access To Work' scheme?

The government can help you to get or stay in work, whether that's a career or running your own business, if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability via grants or extra support.

You can read more about the Access To Work scheme here, and we can put you in touch with an organisation that can help you to apply.

Simply email [email protected] if you'd like support in your application process.