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After treatment and remission

Returning to work

For many people, going back to work is an important part of returning to normal life. This topic explains when to return, how to talk with your employer and how to plan a phased return.

Last updated: ~3 min read
A tidy desk by a window.
Figure 1.Returning to work — Returning to work

01Short answer

Work brings income, social contact and a sense of purpose. But after treatment, fatigue (topic “Balancing fatigue and activity”), difficulties with attention and memory (topic “Memory and attention”), infection risk and emotional changes can make work harder. When to return depends on the treatment, the kind of work and how you feel: some people work during treatment, while others stay at home for months after a transplant. Make this decision together with your doctor. How much you tell your employer is your choice, but if they know about your situation it is easier to arrange adjustments. Macmillan recommends a phased return: starting with short days or a few days a week and gradually increasing. Reasonable adjustments can also help: flexible hours, working from home, breaks, less physical work, different hours to avoid crowded transport, and a comfortable workstation. If your infection risk is high, avoiding contact with ill colleagues and keeping up hand hygiene are important. Plan regular review meetings at work. If the return turns out harder than expected, that is not failure — the plan can be changed. An occupational therapist or social worker can also help (topic “Rehabilitation”). Sometimes people decide to change jobs — that is normal too (topic “New plans”).

02Simple explanation

Work means income, contact and purpose.

Choose when to return with your doctor.

The best route is a phased return.

Reasonable adjustments help.

If it is hard, the plan can change.

03Scientific explanation

Phased return: Macmillan recommends starting with short working days and gradually increasing the workload.

Adjustments: Macmillan lists flexible hours, working from home and breaks as common adjustments.

After treatment: the NCI’s “Facing Forward” discusses planning a return to work and talking with employers.

New normal: the NCI notes that some people rethink their work priorities after treatment.

04What happens in the body?

When can I go back?

It depends on your treatment, the kind of work and how you feel. Decide together with your doctor.

Talking with your employer

How much you share is your choice. Think in advance about your needs and possible adjustments.

A phased return

Short days or a few days a week, then a gradual increase.

A row of growing stepping stones of light.
Figure 2.A phased return — Returning to work

Adjustments

Flexible hours, working from home, breaks, a lighter workload and a comfortable workstation.

A comfortable chair by a lamp and a plant.
Figure 3.Adjustments at work.

Everyday working life

Put important tasks in your best hours, keep notes, take breaks and keep up hand hygiene.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Returning to work

Steps.

Readiness — Discuss readiness with your doctor.1ReadinessDiscuss readiness with your doctor.
Employer — Talk with your employer.2EmployerTalk with your employer.
Phased — A phased return.3PhasedA phased return.
Review — A regular review.4ReviewA regular review.
PlanA planned return.
BalanceWork and rest in balance.
PurposeA sense of purpose returns.

06An example of a phased return (simplified)

StageWorkload
Weeks 1–2Short days, light tasks
Weeks 3–4Longer days
Following weeksGradually towards full hours
At each stageA review meeting

* This is only an example; the plan is made with your doctor and employer.

07Key terms

Phased return
Gradually increasing the workload.
Reasonable adjustment
A change to working conditions.
Flexible hours
Working times that can vary.
HR department
The team that deals with staff.
Occupational therapist
A specialist in work and daily activities.
Review meeting
A talk about progress.

08Key points

  • Plan your return with your doctor.
  • Think about your needs in advance.
  • Start with a phased return.
  • Ask for adjustments.
  • Take breaks.
  • If it is hard, change the plan.

09Frequently asked questions

Do I have to tell them my diagnosis?

It depends on the country; often it is your choice.

Fatigue gets in the way of work.

Discuss a phased return and breaks; tell your doctor too.

My attention is weaker.

Notes, lists and focusing on one task help (topic “Memory and attention”).

I want to change jobs.

This is common; think it over without rushing (topic “New plans”).

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

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. Do I have to tell them my diagnosis?

  2. Fatigue gets in the way of work.

  3. My attention is weaker.

  4. I want to change jobs.

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Macmillan Cancer Support. Work and cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Survivorship: the new normal
  4. National Cancer Institute. Follow-up Medical Care
  5. National Cancer Institute. Coping: survivorship
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Long-Term Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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