If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, the decision to return to work during or after treatment can be difficult. You might want to continue working to maintain a sense of normality and financial stability but will also need to consider if you will be able to cope with changes in your health and the requirements of work.

Here are some things to know about returning or continuing to work after a cancer diagnosis.

1. Working while you have cancer (what are your rights?)

With a treatment schedule to adhere to and health issues that may hinder your ability to fulfill your job responsibilities, you may worry about your job security.

However, under Australian law, generally, employers can not terminate the employment of someone who is off work due to illness for less than three continuous months, or a total of three months over a 12-month period.

Cancer is considered a disability in discrimination law, and consequently, employers have to make reasonable adjustments to the work environment to accommodate the needs of cancer patients. This may include taking time off for treatment or appointments, providing changes in job duties or hours or providing aids and equipment in the workplace. This might come in the form of reassessing the logistics of your workplace health and safety (e.g. providing a more ergonomic chair, a desk closer to the bathroom).

Although most employers are supportive of people with cancer getting back to work, sometimes you might feel you have been treated less fairly because of your illness – perhaps missed out on promotions, not given the same opportunities, given a lower paid or graded position, or asked to leave or resign. These things could be considered discrimination and are against the law.

Similar laws exist in the US through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to state and local government employers along with private employers with 15 or more employees.

2. Speaking to your employer about your cancer diagnosis

You do not have to tell your employer about your cancer diagnosis if you choose not to. However, telling your employer about your illness and the side effects you are experiencing, like pain, fatigue or cognitive difficulties, will make it easier for them to assist you with a return-to-work plan that involves reasonable adjustments to your job or work environment.

3. Making a return to work plan:

The National Cancer Institute suggests being prepared for the meeting with your employer. Think about the aspects of your job that you feel you could manage, but note down the aspects that you feel might be challenging. Use this as a way of negotiating reasonable adjustments with your employer. Also, before the meeting, think about what information you’re comfortable (or not comfortable) sharing with your employer and other team members about your health. Your employer might want some information from your doctor about your fitness for work, or they might want the doctor to approve the return to work plan.

At the time of meeting with your employer, it’s best to agree on a return to work plan so everyone is on the same page.

The plan should include:

• When you’ll be returning (if you’ve stopped work).

• Estimates of time needed to attend treatment, medical appointments or rehabilitation programs to maintain your health and wellbeing.

• Reasonable adjustments you may need (e.g. reduced or changed working hours, specific duties to person or avoid, aids and equipment to help you at your workstation changes, work-from-home arrangements).

• Dates to review the return to work plan with each other to see how things are going.

4. Coping with work:

Returning to work during or after cancer treatment is a major transition. It can trigger a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Thinking about how to talk to people about your cancer, juggle your work and home responsibilities, together with treatment side effects can be overwhelming. During this time, it’s important to find practical and emotional help. For example, you may want to speak to a family member, trusted friend, or co-worker.

Sometimes, speaking to others outside your social circle can also be beneficial. A counsellor can help you with common mental health conditions that people with cancer may experience, while a support group could be beneficial for learning from other cancer survivors (US resource, ANZ resource).

At Osara Health, we provide a personalized coaching program to cancer patients to help with transitioning back to work as well as improving health and wellbeing.

5. Changing jobs:

If you can’t return to your previous employer, you might want to consider other job options (US resource, ANZ resource). While it may be challenging to start again somewhere new, it may offer other benefits that can support your long-term recovery.

To find the best fit for a new role, think about what type of work would suit your current health and financial needs. As you prepare for interviews, consider what information you’re comfortable (and not comfortable) sharing with the interviewer about your health.

You do not need to tell your potential employer about your cancer diagnosis unless it impacts your ability to perform the work. But if you need reasonable adjustments to perform the job, it might help to share some information about your health.

With the right plan, you can work with cancer

Having cancer doesn’t automatically mean that you have to stop working. Whether you choose to stay at your current job, change careers, or take on new challenges, all these options are often possible with the right support and resources. Remember to take the time to prioritize your health and well-being and communicate effectively with your employer about your needs and limitations.