After treatment for cancer, many people look forward to returning to the workforce. Working can provide opportunities to reconnect with colleagues and friends, focus on something other than cancer, get involved in interesting and challenging projects, and start regaining a normal routine and lifestyle. It is also a time of transition and questions may arise about how to talk with coworkers and employers about cancer and how to understand workplace rights and responsibilities. Some preparation before returning to work can help make this transition a little easier.

Where to start

• Talk with your doctor, nurse, or social worker about any worries and also about ongoing physical, emotional, or mental limitations you may have.
  
  
• Set up a telephone or in-person interview with your human resources department to discuss transition plans, including flexible work options, any needed accommodations, and your insurance and benefits coverage.
  
  
• Ask for resources and information on federal and state laws protecting workers' rights.

Family and Medical Leave Act

You have probably heard of and used the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to cover your time off during treatment. Under FMLA, an employee may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per 12-month time period. To be eligible for FMLA benefits, an employee must:

• Work for an employer (one who offers FMLA) where at least 50 employees are employed within 75 miles
  
  
• Have worked for the employer for a total of 12 months
  
  
• Have worked at least 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months

FMLA does not have to be taken as 12 weeks in a row; it can be used intermittently, and this can apply after you've returned to the workplace as well. For example, some people use FMLA to go back to work part time for a limited period of time, while they are regaining strength and transitioning back to their responsibilities. Some employers will require that their employees use available sick or vacation time as part or all of the 12 weeks, so check with your human resources department for information on their policies and how they apply to you.

Other key factors in FMLA include:

• Covered employers are required to continue your group health insurance coverage while you are on FMLA, and on the same terms as if you were still working.
  
  
• You are entitled to return to your original or an equivalent job, with equivalent pay and benefits.

For more information, read the Department of Labor's fact sheet on FMLA.

Talking about cancer at work

After discussing your return to work with your human resources department, explore whether your company offers other programs to help. For instance, it may be possible to ask for a consultation with a qualified mental health professional from an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) who can confidentially meet with you to discuss and plan for your adjustment back to the workplace.

You are not obligated to tell your employer or coworkers that you had cancer, unless you are requesting a workplace accommodation or you are unable to perform the normal functions of your job. However, many people decide to give coworkers or managers at least some information about their diagnosis and treatment. One advantage of being open is that it provides an opportunity to address misconceptions, address rumors that may have circulated in your absence, and make a clear transition plan.

Work with your human resources department on how best to communicate the information you are comfortable sharing. You can write a letter, send an e-mail, or make an announcement at a staff meeting and offer to answer questions. Consider your work culture, as well as your own personal style and need for privacy versus need for accommodations and support. You can also ask your manager, a close coworker, or a human resources professional to help you decide if, when, and how to tell others about your cancer.

If you decide to let your coworkers know about your cancer and treatment, keep it simple; tell people what happened and what the plan is for your return and job coverage. For example:

• I've completed treatment for cancer.
  
  
• I'm currently doing well and glad to be back at work.
  
  
• I will be here 20 hours per week for the next four weeks and then full time after that.
  
  
• Joe Smith will be covering Projects A and B until I return full time.

Things to keep in mind

Many employers and coworkers may not understand your specific type of cancer and the treatment. Their reactions may have more to do with their past experiences or lack of experiences with cancer, than with your specific situation. You have an opportunity to correct any misconceptions that may have circulated while you were away from work. Others will be taking your lead?the more comfortable you are, the more comfortable they will be.

Tips once you're back at work

Consider the following simple adjustments to make your transition smoother once you've returned to your workplace:

• Plan physical accommodations, such as sitting more or taking a few minutes to rest every hour. Small breaks during the day can help you maintain your energy level.
  
  
• If you find that you're having difficulty concentrating, help yourself by using lists and reminders, or setting meeting and task alarms on office e-mail systems.
  
  
• Set up frequent reviews with your manager to evaluate the transition and make any necessary accommodations.
  
  
• Ask for flexible work arrangements, such as part-time hours, partial or full telecommuting, or job sharing.
  
  
• Talk with your manager about a change in responsibilities or light duty, particularly if you are in a physically demanding job.
  
  
• Choose assignments that match your abilities.

Don't hide your condition at the expense of jeopardizing your physical or emotional health. You are entitled to reasonable accommodations, as long as you are able to do your job. As a cancer survivor, your most important job is a healthy recovery. With the right information and support, returning to the workplace can be an important and positive step in that recovery.

Additional resources

NCI: Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer

Americans with Disabilities Act
800-514-030

Questions and Answers About Cancer in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Cancer and Careers: Living and Working with Cancer
(a resource for working women with cancer)

Lance Armstrong Foundation: Employment Law

Lance Armstrong Foundation: Employment Discrimination

More Information

Cancer and the Workplace: Dealing With Discrimination

Coping: Cancer in Young Adults: Returning to Work after Cancer

Coping: Talking About Cancer

Last Updated: September 17, 2007