Returning to Work After Breast Cancer Treatment

Returning to work after breast cancer treatment ends tends to be a smooth process for people who were able to somewhat keep to their usual work schedules during treatment. But going back to work could require a bigger adjustment if you had to reduce your hours or take a leave of absence. 

Some people who are ready to return to work after breast cancer treatment find the following ideas helpful.

Schedule a return-to-work meeting with any people you work with, including your supervisor and colleagues. Having a meeting when you return is a good opportunity to let everyone know you’re ready to resume your responsibilities, especially if you had to reduce your hours or hand off projects to others. It’s also a good opportunity to let everyone know whether or not you prefer to avoid discussions about breast cancer.

Steer conversations away from cancer and back to business as usual. Colleagues might still ask you how you’re doing or tell you about people they know who’ve had breast cancer. If you don’t feel comfortable talking about breast cancer with anyone you work with, you can steer the conversation back to the workplace or politely remind them that you would prefer to focus on work and not discuss breast cancer with anyone. 

Be strategic when scheduling healthcare appointments. Although it’s not always possible, try to schedule appointments during lunch hours or early in the mornings so you can minimize workday disruptions.

Actively manage workplace stress and set limits. As you ease back into your work routine, you may want to consider making time for yourself so you manage stress. For example, some people try to make time before or after work to do yoga or go for a walk. You may also want to consider taking regular breaks for deep breathing or meditation, taking lunch breaks with friends, surrounding yourself with objects and photos you love, and setting realistic limits on your workload.

Acknowledge any side effects that could interfere with your job performance. Some people have side effects that can make their work life difficult. It’s a good idea to talk openly with your supervisor and colleagues about what you can and cannot do because of side effects. It’s also a good idea to talk to your supervisor about certain accommodations, such as working from home, so you can keep doing your job.

There are protections in place to help you. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for people with physical limitations because of medical conditions. The ADA applies to private businesses and organizations as well as government employers. Examples include flexible scheduling, time off for appointments, reassignment to a more suitable position, adjustments in the workspace, and modifications to equipment and technology. The Job Accommodation Network is a great starting point for more information about your rights.

Sometimes side effects, such as joint pain or neuropathy, can be a lot more severe than expected. If you find it difficult to work through painful side effects after returning to work, you may need to consider taking a leave of absence. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows you to take 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually for a medical condition that prevents you from doing your job while keeping your position and health insurance. You can take this time in increments of hours or days. It’s important to know that FMLA only applies if you’ve been employed by a government agency, school, or private company with 50 or more employees within 75 miles of the office. You also must have worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months to be eligible.