Managing work and cancer treatment

Cancer treatment can affect your work life in different ways. It can impact your ability to do your job and treatment appointments are often scheduled during working hours.

It’s important to remember that each person’s situation is different. Whether you are able to continue working during your cancer treatment or need to take time off will depend on several things:

• The type and stage of cancer you have

• The treatment you have and any side effects

• How you feel after your treatment

It’s important to discuss the demands of your job with your care team, so you can make an informed decision about managing your cancer treatment and work demands.

Telling your employer

Telling your employer that you have cancer is a personal decision. In New Zealand, employees generally do not have to disclose a health condition, but not disclosing it may create issues if it affects your ability to do your job or impacts health and safety at work.

Before telling your employer, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can explain what to expect during cancer treatment, and how it may affect your work.

You may choose to provide the following information to your employer:

• Whether you will be able to continue working

• Whether you need to take time off work for treatment

• Whether you may need flexible working arrangements

• Whether you want other people in your workplace to know

• If you take time off, when you are likely to return to work

Flexible ways of working

In New Zealand, employees have the right to ask for flexible working arrangements at any time. This can include changes to hours, days, place of work, or how work is done. Your employer must consider your request and can only refuse it for certain reasons. These arrangements may include:

• Working from home

• Working from another office/worksite

• Changes to start, finish or break times

• Varying hours, working part-time or job-sharing

An occupational therapist can help identify flexible ways of working for you to discuss with your employer, and may also help you think through practical adjustments to your job.

Leave entitlements

There are several types of leave options available to help you balance work and cancer treatment. These include:

• Personal/carer’s leave

• Annual leave

• Long service leave

• Unpaid leave

Employment New Zealand states that eligible employees are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave each year. Your employment agreement may also include additional entitlements. For more information about your leave and work rights, visit Employment New Zealand or check your employment agreement.

Check your insurance

If you have income protection insurance, this may pay a portion of your income if you can’t work. You may have your own policy or it may be part of your KiwiSaver, mortgage, loan or other financial product.

If cancer treatment means you need to reduce your hours or stop work for a period of time, you may also be able to get support through Work and Income New Zealand. Depending on your circumstances, this may include Jobseeker Support, Disability Allowance, Temporary Additional Support or other help with urgent costs.

If you are thinking of resigning from your job, check any insurance cover first, because leaving work may affect your entitlements.

Returning to work

Depending on your personal situation, you may have taken time off from work during part or all of your cancer treatment. Once treatment has ended, returning to work can be an important step for you in the process of getting back to your everyday life. Below are some physical and emotional challenges that you may experience and can prepare for.

Social adjustments

Returning to work can be a welcome distraction from cancer treatment and may help some people by restoring routine and a sense of normality.

While being back at work and reconnecting with colleagues can be a positive experience for some people, the idea of seeing co-workers for the first time after treatment can feel stressful for others.

Before your first day back, you might like to think about how you will answer questions from colleagues and how much you would like to share about your cancer experience.

Physical fatigue

Cancer treatments can affect people in different ways, so you may experience anything from mild tiredness to significant fatigue when you return to work.

Some people find that a gradual return to work helps them manage fatigue. You may like to consider working part-time at first and gradually increasing your hours as you adjust.

Depending on the type of work you do, modified responsibilities or reduced physical demands may also help.

Chemo brain

Chemo brain, also called chemo fog, is the term used to describe thinking and memory problems that may occur during or after cancer treatment. These changes can affect concentration, memory and day-to-day work tasks for some time after treatment.

The good news is that there are practical strategies that may help manage these symptoms over time.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to returning to normal life once cancer treatment ends. We encourage you to speak with your healthcare team about your situation and what strategies may best suit your needs and whānau.

Disclaimer

Content found on the Bowen Icon Cancer Centre website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. For personalised medical guidance, please consult with your GP or another qualified healthcare provider.