Talking about cancer can be very difficult. You may not want to tell your colleagues that you have cancer, so that you can keep one area of your life as normal as possible. This is a very good way of coping for some people. However, sometimes the effects of the cancer (for example, if your hair falls out) and the need to take time off may make it impossible not to tell your colleagues.

You may be worried about how your colleagues will react – will they withdraw from you? Will they blame you? Or you may be worried that talking about the cancer might make things awkward for yourself or your colleagues.

Some people may avoid you because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing. You can help them by bringing up the subject and showing that you are willing to talk about the cancer.

Telling your colleagues can be helpful, so that they can know what to expect – for example if fatigue affects your moods or concentration. If you tell them your plan of action, it gives them the opportunity to support you.

For some people it is the right thing not to tell colleagues. However, this may make you feel awkward and can cause problems with communication. Your colleagues may be aware from your behaviour that something is wrong, and may feel uncomfortable if they do not know what it is.

There are many myths and misunderstandings about cancer. Some of your colleagues may worry that they can catch your cancer. This is not possible: cancer can't be passed on like an infection and your colleagues have no risk of catching your cancer.

Some people may also worry that they could be harmed if you are having treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Again, there is no risk to your colleagues.

Chemotherapy is broken down in the body and can't harm anyone you come into contact with. If you are having radiotherapy treatment from an external machine, the radiation disappears once the machine is turned off and so you will not be radioactive. If you have had internal radiotherapy the radiation will only affect a small area of tissue in your body around the cancer and will not affect anyone that you come into contact with.

If you find it difficult to discuss these issues with your colleagues, you may find it helpful to talk in confidence to the nurses at Cancerbackup. The Cancer Counselling Trust runs workshops for colleagues of people with cancer.