Returning To Work After Cancer Diagnosis - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), May, 2000

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, you may not feel up to the challenge of returning to work, but issues such as finances and job security often require you to do just that. According to the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, going back to work during or after cancer treatment can be a difficult step, but ultimately a beneficial one. It may give you something to think about besides your health, help you to feel more in control, and keep you connected to people who care about you.

Careful preparation is the key to making the return to work successful. First, determine whether the person is up to the job demands. Physical and emotional responses vary greatly with each individual, the type of cancer, and the disease's treatment. Any return to a job should be cleared by a physician. Following are some common issues that may affect such a decision, along with tips on how to cope with them:

Fatigue. One of the most prominent physical complaints related to cancer is profound fatigue. It can be caused by poor appetite, lack of exercise, anemia, depression, medical treatments, or sleeplessness. Carefully planning activities and engaging in gentle exercise or relaxation techniques can be helpful. If fatigue interferes with work, a modified schedule such as part time, flex hours, or working from home may help.

Coping with colleagues. Many co-workers will have questions and concerns, and not all of them will approach you in the most sensitive manner. Before going back, have coping strategies on hand to help deal with others' behavior. Using humor often helps diffuse uncomfortable situations.

Scheduling concerns. Taking time to schedule treatments and tests requires open communication with supervisors. You may choose to schedule treatments on Fridays so you have the weekend to recuperate before returning to work. It is important for cancer patients to understand the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Federal Rehabilitation Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act, all of which protect them from job discrimination. People with concerns about job discrimination should contact a lawyer or a local chapter of the American Cancer Society.