The C word (Cancer) and the forces??

[robbo83]

Hello all!

Hope everyone well! I have looked through these forums before last year but this is the 1st time poster.

This time last year I was keen to join the RAF and was in training building up to my application. I don’t want to bore you all with the details but to cut a long story short, I was diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer. After two ops and a lot of chemo I was given the all clear. (phew!)

So now I'm getting back into fitness I want to look at my next career step and hopefully the RAF. I have been told by someone though that the forces do not accept people who have previously had cancer. That goes for the Territorial and reservist forces.

I rang the recruitment hotline and they were not able to tell me if this is true or not but instead they told me to visit the careers office who would have more infomation. Since I am at work most days this can be pretty tricky to get there so I thought I would ask on here.

Any info or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time.

[Brecon Tiger]

Hello all!

Hope everyone well! I have looked through these forums before last year but this is the 1st time poster.

This time last year I was keen to join the RAF and was in training building up to my application. I don’t want to bore you all with the details but to cut a long story short, I was diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer. After two ops and a lot of chemo I was given the all clear. (phew!)

So now I'm getting back into fitness I want to look at my next career step and hopefully the RAF. I have been told by someone though that the forces do not accept people who have previously had cancer. That goes for the Territorial and reservist forces.

I rang the recruitment hotline and they were not able to tell me if this is true or not but instead they told me to visit the careers office who would have more infomation. Since I am at work most days this can be pretty tricky to get there so I thought I would ask on here.

Any info or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Robb83

Its disgusting that they could take your contact number abd call you back, I always say that you need to speak with those with the experience and those in the know.

I would get your local careers office number and call them or check what the times are they may have a day they work late.

[Wholley]

As Tiger said,contact your local AFCO.
If they don't know they can find out.
Be insistent about an answer via phone,as if you get to the interview stage and they say no then time is wasted on both sides.

[waynepe]

I know if you develop cancer while in the forces it can be treated and you continue serving. Not sure about if you get it before enlisting though, but my elder brother got cancer of the ear (squamous cell
carcinoma to give it the proper name) although ear cancer is really easily treated. however if you have been given the all clear after having it treated then i dont see any reason they would say no if serving soldiers are not MD after getting cancer.

What are you looking to do within the RAF may I ask?