I was told I have lung cancer between june and july that's all I know at the minute, I've had all test but biopsy as they couldnt finish it. But work is wanting diagnosis and treatment plan information I dont have. Its August I want that information to but no one has told me yet so what do I do? They want these papers by the 9th of August. Is there someone I can call to get this info or will work need to give me longer to get the information?
Thank you
Panicked Brandie
Hello Frazzled
Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is Polly and I am a work support adviser on the Macmillan support line. I am sorry to read about your health and your work worries.
It is possible that the treatment plan cannot be formulated until the biopsy is completed. Please check with the nurses on our support line or speak to the hospital about this. You may need to follow up any delays in your diagnosis/treatment plan with the hospital PALS service
If you are off sick from work now, you will need to provide your employer with a Fit note from a health professional involved in your care such as your GP or your cancer nurse specialist. Please check your company sickness absence policy for further details about the documents you need to provide if you are off sick.
It is not usual practice for the employer to ask for detailed information about your treatment plan. This is because medical information is private and under data protection rules an employer cannot seek private information about health unless they have your consent and there are sound business reasons for storing this information.
This request might be justified If they need treatment plan details so they can adjust work schedules to accommodate your appointments,.
I suggest you ask for more information about why they need these details and explain that there is a delay. There should be no sanction against you for this.
The Information Commissioner publishes a short guide which explains more about privacy and data protection.
Macmillan publish booklets and guides to your rights at work when you're affected by cancer.
Managing Cancer in the workplace
As a cancer patient you have a recognised disability under the Equality Act 2010 (or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 if you live in Northern Ireland)
This means that the employer must make reasonable adjustments to help you overcome disadvantages related to your health and your cancer at work and you are protected from Disability Discrimination.
Polly
