Issues at Your Workplace

Last Updated: Aug. 1, 2003

Research shows that cancer survivors who continue to work are as productive on the job as other workers. Most cancer survivors who are physically able to work do go back to their jobs. Returning to work can help cancer survivors feel they are getting back to the life they had before being diagnosed with cancer.

Some cancer survivors may find themselves changing jobs after cancer treatment. If you decide to look for a new job after cancer treatment, remember that you do not need to try to do more – or settle for less – than you are able to handle. If you have a résumé, list your jobs by the skills you have or what you’ve done rather than by jobs and dates worked. This way, you don’t highlight the time you didn’t work due to your cancer treatment.

Whether returning to their old jobs or beginning new ones, some survivors are treated unfairly when they return to the workplace. Employers and employees may have doubts about cancer survivors’ ability to work.

NOTE:
You have no legal obligation to talk about your cancer history unless your past health has a direct impact on the job you seek.

Issues with friends and coworkers
The response of friends, coworkers, and/or people at school after your cancer treatment can be a major source of anger, grief, or dismay. Some people mean well, but they do not know the right thing to say. Maybe they just do not know how to offer support. Others do not want to deal with your cancer at all, even though it is still a daily challenge for you.

Friends’ and coworkers’ seeming lack of support may be because they are anxious for you or for themselves. Your cancer experience may threaten them because it reminds them that cancer can happen to anyone. Try to understand their fears and be patient as you try to regain a good relationship.

Many survivors say that acting cheerful around others for their comfort is a strain. As survivors sort out what matters most, they may even decide to let some weak friendships go to give more time to the strong ones.

On the job or where you volunteer, people may not understand about cancer and your ability to perform while recovering from treatment. They may expect you to “slack off” or think that your having had cancer means you are going to die soon. Sometimes, fears and lack of knowledge result in unfair treatment.

Getting help with issues involving friends and coworkers
If you find that a friend or coworker’s feelings about cancer are hurting you, try to resolve the problem with that person face-to-face. If such efforts don’t help in the job setting, you may want to get help. Your manager, shop steward, company medical department, employee assistance counselor, or personnel office may be able to change coworkers' ideas, procedures, or the way your job fits in with others' to lessen problems.

When hurtful remarks or actions get you down, talking to a friend, family member, or counselor may help you deal with it. But if coworker attitudes get in the way of your doing your job, it is a problem management needs to address.

Tips for handling problems at work:

ecide how to handle the problem.
What do you want to do?
Do you still want to work there?
Are you willing to take action to correct a problem?
Would you rather look for a new job?

If necessary, ask your employer to adjust to your needs.
Start by talking informally to your supervisor, personnel office, employee assistance counselor, shop steward, or union representative.

Ask for a change that would make it easier for you to keep your job (for example, flex-time, working at home, special equipment at work).

Document each request and its outcome for your records.

Get help working with your employer if you need it.
Ask your doctor or nurse to find times for follow-up visits that don’t conflict with your other responsibilities.

Get your doctor to write a letter to your employer or personnel officer explaining how, if at all, your cancer may affect your work or your schedule.

Contact your local cancer support organization or groups for disabled workers for assistance.

Source: National Cancer Institute

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