Back to work or school

Returning to education or work after sarcoma treatment can be difficult. We’ve produced the information on this page to help you with returning to school, university, or work.  

If you have sarcoma, the law in the UK states that this is a disability. Because of this, you’ll be allowed ‘reasonable adjustments.’ These are changes that your school, university, or workplace can make to help you work as well as you can.  

Returning to school or university  

If you feel you need more help than you did before surgery, there are many ways your school or university can support you.  

Before returning to school or university, it’s a good idea to have a meeting with your teachers to discuss how they might be able to help you.  

For example, you might want to ask about:

• doing fewer hours to start with  
• having someone help you carry your bags  
• moving your classes to ground floor level (avoiding stairs) 
• leaving classes early to allow time to get to the next class 
• having adapted PE lessons. 

If you have any concerns about how you will physically cope when you go back to school or college, speak to one of your rehabilitation team. They will be able to give you advice. 

Returning to work 

When you feel ready to return to work, your employer should support you. They can make adjustments to help you ease back into work. You can ask for an occupational health assessment for support with returning to work.  

For example, they might be able to:

• change your working pattern  
• give you more breaks spread evenly throughout the day  
• provide flexible working  
• give you a phased return to work.  

You can also apply for a government Access to Work grant.  

Macmillan Cancer Support has more information about returning to work.   

Returning to driving 

Speak to your surgical team about returning to driving after surgery. With some surgeries you may need a driving assessment. You can find your local driving centre on the Driving Mobility website. If you can return to driving, you might also be eligible for a Blue Badge, which helps you to park closer in places like supermarkets and hospitals.  

You may also need to tell the DVLA and your insurance company about your change in circumstances. Find out more about this on the GOV.UK website.