HEALTH CONDITION

Living with

Having mouth cancer does not necessarily mean you'll have to give up work. However, you may need quite a lot of time off, and you may not be able to work in the same way you did before treatment.

If you have cancer, you're covered by the Equality Act 2010. This means your employer is not allowed to discriminate against you because of your illness, and they have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to help you cope.

Examples of adjustments include:

  • allowing you time off for medical appointments and treatment
  • being flexible about your working hours, tasks or working environment

The definition of what is reasonable depends on the situation – for example, how much it would affect your employer's business.

It will help if you give your employer as much information as possible about how much time you'll need off and when.

Talk to your human resources representative if you have one. Your union or staff association representative should also be able to give you advice.

If you're having difficulties with your employer, you may be able to receive help from your union or local Citizens Advice.

Money and financial support

You may find it difficult to cope financially if you have to stop work or work part-time because of cancer.

If you have cancer or you're caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to financial support such as:

Speak to the social worker at your hospital to find out as early as possible what financial help is available to you.

Free prescriptions

People being treated for cancer are entitled to apply for an exemption certificate, giving them free prescriptions for all medication, including medicine for unrelated conditions.

The certificate is valid for 5 years and you can apply for it through your GP or cancer specialist.

Find more advice and information about benefit entitlements.

Talk to others

It's not always easy to talk about cancer, either for you or your family and friends. You may sense that some people feel awkward around you or avoid you.

Being open about how you feel and what your family and friends can do to help may put them at ease. Do not feel embarrassed or awkward about telling them that you need some time to yourself, if that's what you need.

If you have questions, your GP or nurse may be able to reassure you. You may find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor or psychologist, or someone at a specialist helpline. Your GP surgery will have information about these.

Some people find it helpful to talk to other people who have mouth cancer, either at a local support group or through an online chat room:

You can also call the Saving Faces helpline on 07487 235438 (9am to 5pm) to speak to a member of staff who will be able to put you in touch with other people who've had the same treatment as you. Alternatively, you can contact Saving Faces by email: helpline@savingfaces.co.uk

Caring for someone with mouth cancer

If you're caring for someone with mouth cancer, it's important to look after yourself and get as much help as possible. You may need a break from caring if you're finding it difficult to cope.

Find out more about carers' breaks and respite care.

Your guide to social care and support has a lot of information and advice about different sources of support.

You can also call the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm and weekends, 11am to 4pm).


Page last reviewed: Fri Oct 2022 Next review due: Wed Feb 2020

NHS Attribution