Living abroad

For patients living with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) it pays to know the terrain when planning a move abroad. Many people in the UK choose to live abroad, often in France, Spain or Greece.  If you are living on the continent, you will often need to plan ahead for your medical care. Know the turf If…

Planning for travel

Being diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) doesn’t mean that you can never travel abroad or go on holiday again, but it is advisable to plan ahead with researching the right insurance and ensuring you have the correct medication before you travel. Medical advice Tell your medical team: Always consult with your medical care team, the…

Travel information

Travelling can be an exciting and happy time and with careful planning most patients with well controlled myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can travel safely.  Always check first with your haematology team. Take a supply Make sure you that have enough supply of all your medications on hand to cover your needs during the entire length of…

Employment rights

Anyone diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), or indeed other illness, in paid employment, is entitled to being treated fairly at work and where reasonable employers should make changes to let you do your job whilst receiving ongoing treatment. Several legal acts are in place to protect employees, job applicants and people who are self-employed.…

Cost of medications – exemption certificate

MPDs reclassified In 2008 the World Health Organization (WHO) reclassified myeloproliferative disorders (all MPDs including myelofibrosis (MF), polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET) as “myeloproliferative neoplasms”. This is an important change if you are receiving treatment for MPNs. From April 2009 all people in England receiving medication for the treatment of cancer, including MPNs, have been…