Work life after cancer

Dragons' Den entrepreneur Rachel Watkyn, 52, founder of eco-friendly packaging firm the Tiny Box Company, has beaten breast cancer three times. Here she reveals her tips for returning to work after cancer treatment

- GEMMA CALVERT

PUT YOURSELF FIRST: Never forget that you are the priority. Before and after the operation, I wasn't strategic when booking health appointments. I never scheduled them early in the day or at lunch time to minimise work day disruption, I simply took the earliest options possible to ensure I was treated as quickly as possible.

I also phased in my return to work by only being in the office two or three days for a few weeks, which helped me get used to the routine of working while not overdoing things.

Be honest and open with your colleagues, team and manager about the support you need after returning. Most people want to help but often don't know how to, so lead the way.

KEEP MOVING: After your operation, don't push yourself, but keep moving. After one operation I walked around the house every hour.