Coping practically
As well as coping with the physical and emotional effects of cancer, you'll also have to cope practically.
Wellbeing and Self-care coordinators based in GP practices can offer practical support. Ask at your GP surgery for more details or for a referral.
Finances
You may work less hours or not at all. At the same time you may have extra expenses such as heating costs.
Your personal finances may also be affected:
- mortgage
- pension
- credit cards
- personal loans
A lot of help is available so it’s important to know what extra benefits and support you may be entitled to.
Macmillan Cancer Support has developed a financial support tool. This can help you with some of the financial decisions you may face.
The Maggies Centre can help check what benefits may be available for you and help you apply for funding. They also offer a drop in and appointments service.
Local advice centres across Stockport can also offer advice about welfare rights and benefits.
Work
There are laws in place to support you at work whether you're:
- an employee
- caring for someone with cancer
- self-employed
Find out about the laws in place and get tips on dealing with cancer in the workplace on the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
Disability Discrimination Act
The Disability Discrimination Act applies to people with cancer or who've had cancer in the past.
All cancers are included and the Act protects you from the moment you’re diagnosed with cancer. The Act gives you important rights which might affect your work, your education, how you use services and your housing needs.
Travel
If you're planning to travel when you have cancer, you'll probably need to do some extra planning. Cancer and its treatments may make travelling more difficult.
Most of the time you should be able to travel without problems. There are times though when it’s best not to travel:
- after certain treatments
- after surgery
It can be difficult to get travel insurance so it’s best to look for this as early as possible.
You should also talk to your doctor or specialist nurse before making any plans.
You can find further information about travelling with cancer on the Cancer Research UK website and the Macmillan Cancer Support website.