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I wanted to join the RAF. After being cancer free for more than 9 years.

Jack12345677
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Hi supporters

i have recently applied for the RAF but during the medical process, i have been medically rejected, for having Hodgkin lymphoma cancer 9 years ago. I am fit and well now.


If you have any advice, in how to win an appeal for the medical rejection i received from medical doctor, it would be very helpful. Maybe there are people who can help me create a report for me to win an appeal. Or maybe you have applied to the army having cancer previously.

thank you.

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat Jack12345677.

    Thank you for sharing your story, and congratulations on reaching 9 years cancer-free. That's a huge milestone, and it's completely understandable that this rejection feels frustrating after everything you've been through.

    A personal history of a malignant cancer diagnosis typically results in initial medical rejection from the RAF under JSP 950 guidelines which generally list current or previous malignancies/cancers as a bar to entry if they occurred within the last 5 years. Since your diagnosis was 9 years ago, you sit well past this baseline timeframe. However, decisions regarding a history of cancer are assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific staging, treatment, and length of time in full remission so you could certainly appeal to the RAF Department of Occupational Medicine for a specialist review. Below are the next steps
    Next Steps for an Appeal or Re-Evaluation
    1. Request Detailed Remission Letters: Obtain a formal, detailed letter from your consultant oncologist or hematologist explicitly stating that you are completely free of residual disease, require no ongoing surveillance or medication, and suffer no long-term physical sequelae.
    2. Obtain GP Support: Ask your GP for a supportive statement confirming your 9-year recovery and that your medical history will not compromise your physical capability for strenuous or remote deployment
    3. Contact RAF Medical Authorities: Submit these documents through your Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) to formally request that the RAF Recruitment and Selection Department of Occupational Medicine re-evaluate your fitness

    Wishing you the best of luck, and please keep us posted on how it goes!

    Best wishes,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

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