Being diagnosed with cancer, or any serious illness, can turn one's world seemingly upside down. But while coming to terms with the diagnosis and treatment, practical issues deserve attention, especially your job. Some juggle work with chemo or radiation, while others experience challenges with the return to work.

Regardless of where you may fall on the spectrum of concerns, it's always important to prepare yourself with a good understanding of your rights to ensure you feel confident upon your return to work, and are sure you're being treated fairly during that process.

In the UK, an estimated 20,000 of those diagnosed with cancer each year will face discrimination in their workplace, according to Macmillan Cancer Support. It's important for employees to understand that not only is this not fair, it's illegal. Knowing about laws that are in place to provide protections against termination, being passed up for a promotion, or not receiving reasonable allowances in the workplace, is imperative to protecting oneself in the workplace.

For more on important aspects to keep in mind at work after cancer, click here.