Thriving at work with breast cancer: finding your way forward

An unwanted breast cancer diagnosis for you or your partner is going to be life-changing in many ways. However it doesn’t mean you can’t keep filling your life with the things you love or having to give up work before you’re ready. It does mean looking after yourself and putting your wellbeing first, making some lifestyle adjustments, and getting your stress levels in check.

So how do you address a breast cancer diagnosis when it comes to your working life? Firstly, it’s a three-way partnership between the individual, the medical team and the employer. The shock of any chronic illness or diagnosis like cancer, can be overwhelming. So the first step is to work with your doctors to build an understanding of the diagnosis and the bespoke treatment plan that is right for you.

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It’s natural to have anxieties about what this means for work and what to tell your employers. However, it’s important to know your rights so that you can focus on putting your health first and advocate for your needs and wishes, confidently. In England, Scotland and Wales the Equality Act of 2010 and Northern Ireland’s Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 protect employees with chronic illnesses and cancer, ensuring reasonable workplace accommodations and time off work to attend medical appointments. So the first step is to work out what you are dealing with and what is best for your health, care and wellbeing, without the pressures of having to rush a decision about work.

For many of us, our work gives us a sense of purpose, reinforces our identity, keeps us social and active, as well as providing financial stability. Employers have a duty of care and with the right support, adjustments and flexibility, a valued and experienced employee will continue to contribute effectively to the organisation. It’s important to know that an individual with a health diagnosis doesn’t lose their worth or ability to perform, provided the right accommodations are made to enable them. Everyone is different, and your doctor will be able to advise how much time to take off and whether you need total rest, or will benefit from maintaining your usual activities and career.

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“My consultants encouraged me to work through my treatment for breast cancer and arranged my chemo appointments for Fridays so I could recover over the weekend and be back in the office on Monday morning,” said Carrie, a PR executive from London, who chose to keep working to maintain a steady income during her illness. “I found I coped best if I kept busy and got out the house, so it was what I needed. My company was great as they allowed me to work flexibly so that I could travel to the office after rush hour.”

By contrast, Rebecca, a registered nurse, whose career took her all over the world, made the decision to take time out of work and cash in her life insurance in her early fifties so that she could give up work and live in comfort during her ongoing breast cancer treatment. “The downside was I discovered it excluded me from benefits and you’ve got to spend the money before you can get those,” Rebecca explains retrospectively. “If I’d been given guidance, I might have looked at different options. I’d recommend getting decent financial advice and trying to hang on before doing what I did. I needed to make the lump sum last longer than I thought and ended up on benefits anyway.”

Tips for balancing a cancer diagnosis and work

If you are navigating a chronic health condition, such as cancer and not ready to give up your job, or you and your doctor feel you will benefit from working, here are some work and wellbeing tips.

1) Put your physical health first Put your physical health first and  work out with your doctors what you can or can’t do. Once you have established what any health issues are, the type of treatment you might need and put your health and care plan in place, then you can address how to make work work around that and consult with your employer on modifications and working flexibly.

2) Check your employment contract and organisation’s sickness policy

Familiarise yourself with the provisions in your contract around absence and whether or not your company offers sick pay benefits beyond statutory requirements. Make sure you read a copy of your company’s sickness policy which should meet, if not go beyond, your legal entitlements.

3) Seek available support

It is up to you how much you communicate with your employer and colleagues about your condition. However, the more open you are able to be with your manager and HR team, the more likely they will be able to support you. If you are offered an Occupational Health assessment, the consultant will be able to recommend reasonable adjustments and help you identify and communicate your physical, emotional and mental needs. You may also be able to access support such as counselling if your organisation has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

4) Focus on the positive contribution you can make at work

When discussing your health with your employer or manager, frame the conversation positively. For example, instead of focusing solely on challenges, highlight how adjustments, such as flexible hours or remote working, will enable you to contribute more effectively. It can be helpful to prepare in advance, outlining your key points and desired outcomes.

5) Build and commit to a scheduled self-care plan

Make sure that you take regular breaks at work and use these for rest, a walk or to practise mindfulness such as breathing exercises. Thinking about your wellbeing differently, with scheduled self-care activities will help you balance work and treatment, while ensuring you get quality time for yourself and those who are supporting you. The NHS recommended ways to mental wellbeing include connecting with others, physical movement, gratitude and mindfulness, so the more of these you can fit into your week, the better you will feel.

For a more in depth and detailed information on strategies for self-care and navigating health challenges at work, you can read more in this guide on 5 Ways to Manage Chronic Illness and Cancer at Work.

Please note that names of some contributors have been changed to protect their privacy.

Author: Liza Patoux, Wellbeing Consultant  Elizian Days offers personalised health and workplace wellbeing strategies, with specialised support for those managing chronic health conditions at work. If you are affected by any of the wellbeing at work issues raised in this article and would like to speak to someone, please email Liza@ElizianDays.com to arrange a confidential call.