Work is an important part of life for many young adults not only for financial rewards, but also to regain self-image and continue relationships with colleagues. Returning to work may help you feel more independent and in control.

Deciding when to return to work

Talk with your doctor about whether you are ready to return to work. When you return to work depends on the type of cancer and treatment you had and the type of job you have. If your job is stressful or physically demanding, or if you work in a setting such as a hospital or daycare center where you are more likely to be exposed to infection, you may need to wait longer before returning to work.

Ongoing treatments or side effects, such as fatigue, may prevent you from returning to your regular work schedule at first. As you continue to recover, consider returning to work on a reduced or modified schedule, if possible.

Your feelings about your current job or future career may affect your return to work. Some young adults find that their cancer experience causes them to reconsider a previous career choice or career priorities. These changes are common and may help shape new career goals.

Knowing your rights

Federal and state laws, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), protect the employment rights of cancer survivors with disabilities. As long as you are qualified to perform the essential duties of your position, the ADA requires that your employer provide "reasonable accommodations" to allow you to do your job. Accommodations may include a modified or flexible work schedule, modifications to your job responsibilities, or physical changes to your workspace. The ADA and other laws also prevent your employer from discriminating against you because of cancer. For more information, read Cancer and the Workplace from Cancer.Net and Employment Discrimination from the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Planning your return

Contact the human resources department and find out if your company has a formal "return-to-work" or disability management program. Consider scheduling a return-to-work meeting in which you and your employer can discuss the details of your return. Plan and make a list of suggestions for how you can temporarily modify your job, such as working reduced hours, having a flexible schedule, working from home, if possible, or re-evaluating your responsibilities and adjusting your duties, if necessary.

Once you go back to work, there are things you can do to make the transition easier.

• If you have a flexible schedule, determine with your supervisor when it is most important for you to be at work and schedule your time accordingly.
  
  
• Inform your employer when you expect to have follow-up care appointments and how you plan to work around them, if possible.
  
  
• Adjust your daily routine and schedule important meetings or tasks for times when you are feeling your best.
  
  
• Schedule medical treatment appointments for late in the day or before the weekend, so you have time to recover.
  
  
• If possible, modify your workspace to provide the most comfort and productivity.
  
  
• Don't overload yourself with work—be realistic about what you can handle and take breaks.

Communicating with coworkers and supervisors

Whether you tell coworkers about your cancer and treatment is up to you. If you have been absent for a while, or your physical appearance has changed, some colleagues may have questions. Decide what you want to tell people and how. You may decide to have private conversations with only a few close coworkers. Some people find it easier to arrange a meeting, so they can tell everyone at the same time. As a young adult, your coworkers may be surprised that you have had cancer. Younger coworkers may not know much about cancer and may have many questions. Most cancer survivors find that their coworkers are supportive and caring.

Unless you are requesting formal accommodations, you are not required to tell your supervisor about your cancer experience. If you decide to tell your supervisor, he or she may be able to help you with informal accommodations, such as assigning less intensive projects or allowing you flexibility in scheduling time off.

Finding help

If you are having difficulty making the transition back to work, consider talking with a social worker or a vocational counselor or joining a support group for other young adult cancer survivors.

Additional resources

Mayo Clinic: Working after cancer: Tips to make your transition easier

Cancer and Careers: Living and Working With Cancer (www.cancerandcareers.org)

More Information

Cancer.Net: Cancer in Young Adults