The following do not all exist as legal rights but are felt to be fundamental to the well being of people with cancer.

I have the right:

1. to equal concern and attention whatever my gender, race, class, culture, religious belief, age, sexuality, lifestyle, or degree of able-bodiedness.

2. to be considered with respect and dignity, and to have my physical, emotional, spiritual, social and psychological needs taken seriously and responded to throughout my life, whatever my prognosis.

3. to know I have cancer, to be told in a sensitive manner and to share in all decision-making about my treatment and care in honest and informative discussions with relevant specialists and other health professionals.

4. to be informed fully about treatment options and to have explained to me the benefits, side effects and risks of any treatment.

5. to be asked for my informed consent before Iam entered into any clinical trial.

6. to a second opinion, to refuse treatment or to use complementary therapies without prejudice to continued medical support.

7. to have any special welfare needs acknowledged and benefit claims responded to promptly.

8. to be employed, promoted or accepted on return to work according to my abilities and experience and not according to assumptions about my disease and its progression.

9. to easy access to information about local and national services, cancer support and self help groups and practitioners that may be useful in meeting my needs.

10. to receive support and information to help me understand and come to terms with my disease, and to receive similar support for my family and friends.

Thanks to Easynet for hosting these pages.
About these pages: Contact Nina Pope - UKBCA@somewhere.org.uk