If you gave up your job and want to work again you will need to think about what to tell future employers about your illness. If a job application form, or the person who interviews you, asks for details about any condition which may affect your ability to do the job in question, you must answer honestly. If it was found out that you had not disclosed the fact that you had cancer, your employer could dismiss you for giving false answers. However, under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 employers cannot refuse to offer a person a job solely because that person has had cancer.

You will need to prepare truthful answers that emphasise the success of your treatment, and your ability to do the job for which you have applied. It is helpful to take some time to think about your previous jobs, your achievements and your experience, so that you can present those in the most positive way. You are still the same person and there is no reason why you should be any less efficient. It may help to chat to your doctor to make sure that he or she feels that you are fit for the new job. The doctor may also be willing to give you a letter for the new employer to confirm this.

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can also give you information about your employment rights.

If you go back to work and then realise within a few weeks that you have made a mistake, you should be able to claim benefits again if you need to. It is more difficult to claim benefit again if you have been back at work for more than eight weeks.