Oral cancer

Living with

Having mouth cancer doesn't 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 towork in the same way you did before treatment.

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

Examples of these include:

allowing you time off for medical appointments andtreatment
being flexibleabout yourworking hours, tasks or working environment

The definition of what is reasonable depends on the situationfor 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 resourcesrepresentative 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

If you have to stop work or work part-time because of your cancer, you may find it difficult to cope financially.

If you have cancer or you're caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to one of the areas of financial support outlined below.

If you have a job but can't work because of your illness, you're entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from your employer.
If you don't have a job and can't work because of your illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance.
If you're caring for someone with cancer, you may be entitled to Carer's Allowance.
You may be eligible for other benefits if you have children living at home or a low household income.

Find out as early as possible what help is available to you. Speak to the social worker at your hospital, who can give you the information you need.

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 five years and you can apply for it through your GP or cancer specialist.

GOV.UK has more information and advice 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. Don't 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 aboutthese.

Some people find it helpful to talk to other people who have mouth cancer, either at a local support group oron anonline chat room:

Cancer Research UK: Cancer Chat
Macmillan Cancer Support:online community

You can also call theSaving Faces helpline on07792 357972 (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 them 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 feeling down and finding it difficult to cope.

You can also call the Carers Direct helpline on 0300 123 1053.