← Back
Psychology, family and everyday life

Work: during treatment and after

Some people keep working during treatment, others take a break. Both are normal. The choice depends on your condition, your treatment, the kind of work and your energy.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A laptop on a desk by a bright window with houseplants
Figure 1.Working from home can be an option

01Short answer

Talk to your team about work: which periods carry a higher risk of infection and tiredness, and whether the type of work (crowds, children, animals, chemicals, heavy physical labour) is suitable. How much you tell your employer is your choice. Ask about remote work, flexible hours, shorter days and rest breaks; in many countries the law supports such adjustments. At work, use your own cup, keep hand rub nearby and stay away from colleagues who are ill. A social worker can help with rights and benefits.

02Simple explanation

Talk to your team.

What to share: your choice.

Flexible work.

Social worker: help.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: getting back to life after treatment, including work, happens gradually; using support services is recommended.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Tiredness

Can last for months after treatment.

Adjustments

Changes to working conditions.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
TirednessCan last for months after treatment.
AdjustmentsChanges to working conditions.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Reasonable adjustment
Changes at work to fit your condition.
Social worker
A professional who helps with practical and legal matters.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Talk.
  • Plan.
  • Rest.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Must I tell my employer my diagnosis?

That is your decision; some information may be needed to arrange adjustments.

I have money worries.

Talk to a social worker; there may be support schemes.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Must I tell my employer my diagnosis?

  2. I have money worries.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Coping – Life After Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Female Fertility and Cancer Treatment
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Male Fertility and Cancer Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →