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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

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Renata

    i really thank you for the reply. The thing is, they keep talking about the need for irradiated blood for anyone who received hodgkin lymphoma treatment previously. I previously applied for British army, and they rejected me for this same reason. Now am applying for the RAF as there is a little hope from what they have written on the website - we will accept you if your treatment is more than 5 years ago. I really hope they do. I will definitely keep you posted.
    I already have the letter from my hymetologist proving that i am well; after examining me with ct scan, cardiogam and blood test. I just need to get some kinda supporting letter from my GP as well. I just don’t understand this information of where the British army automatically Rejects you for have hodgkin lymphoma but RAF has set timeline by saying its ok if your treatment is more than 5 years ago.

    It would be very helpful if you can clarify. Thank you for your reply.

  • in reply to Jack12345677

    Hello Jack,

    Thank you for your reply.

    As a forum moderator, explaining different military policies is outside of my scope, I'm afraid, so I cannot give official recruitment or medical advice about these rules. I am very sorry that I cannot clarify this for you.

    That said, if you would like to chat with someone for support, you can ring our nurses for free on 0808 800 4040. They are available from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    With best wishes,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

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