Posted by: curvesandgoddess on: 09/08/2008
Are you an employee or an employer? Do you know about breast cancer, employment and the law?
Should there be a cancer or breast cancer awareness day in the workplace?
www.breastcancercare.org.uk
SEPTEMBER: REAL STORY
Carol A’s story
I am currently a senior account executive for a Yorkshire PR consultancy. At the time of my diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer six years’ ago, I was in a different job, managing a small business.Apart from the shock of being diagnosed with breast cancer, one of the biggest concerns I had throughout my treatment was how I was going to cope wIth work. As a single parent with two teenagers, I couldn’t afford to give up my job. At my first chemotherapy session, nurses advised me that I shouldn’t work. However, I thought that was really unrealistic and showed a lack of understanding of the reality for many people who are only entitled to statutory sickness pay. My employer was clearly very uncomfortable about my breast cancer diagnosis and therefore avoided talking to me about how I felt or how and when I could work. I did manage to work part-time, but towards the end of my treatment we were barely communicating and I dreaded going in. My job involved running a shop and it could be quite physical – loading and unloading items and stretching to high shelves. Also, I was often alone in the shop with just occasional part-time help. My treatment started with six cycles of chemotherapy and I tried to work part-time during this. However, at times the chemotherapy left me feeling weak and exhausted, making it impossible to get out of bed, let alone stand on my feet in a shop all day. In addition, I lost all my hair and wore a wig or scarf. I’m a confident person but there were days when it was a struggle to face strangers, which is hard when your job involves being pleasant to customers. I didn’t have a contract so I trawled the internet for information on my legal rights. Towards the end of my treatment I got on the phone to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). It was so stressful on top of the emotional and physical strain I was under. After almost a year’s treatment that included chemotherapy before and after surgery, surgery itself and radiotherapy, I was made redundant. Six months after my redundancy I started to work on a freelance basis for my current employer. Almost five years later I am a full-time senior member of staff. I now work in a small and very supportive company with a female employer who is incredibly understanding. If I had worked here when I was diagnosed, I know that we would have all sat down and talked about what work I could cope with and how I was going to manage. My current employer has been great about hospital appointments and check-ups during work time. There is a flexibility that works both ways – often I work through lunch or stay late – so taking time out during the day has never been a problem. If you are going for a check up, my colleagues are empathetic and allow you to talk about any anxieties you might have. My advice to employers is to encourage someone with breast cancer to talk openly about their concerns. They shouldn’t need the fear of losing their job on top of diagnosis and treatment. With the right support, working environment and advice, I think most women would find work a welcome diversion from their treatment.
Breast Cancer Care has produced a series of resources to support a member of staff affected by breast cancer.
