Returning to work is not the same as being fully recovered

After a breast cancer diagnosis, women are absent from work for a few months to a year. Those undergoing chemotherapy are typically absent for longer. Most working women who are diagnosed with the disease prefer to return to work as soon as possible, usually with the same employer. It is important for both parties to realize that returning to work does not mean a full recovery. Many employees continue to struggle with fatigue, concentration problems, or other side effects of treatment for a long time after their cancer journey. Even if it isn’t always visible on the outside, their ability to handle stress may be significantly reduced. For a smooth return to work, an employer should also involve the employee’s team. Work together to ensure a warm welcome. 

10 Tips for Employers When an Employee Returns to Work After Breast Cancer

1) View the return to work as a gradual process;

2) Discuss in advance what is feasible in terms of hours, tasks, and work pace;

3) A phased return to work can help gradually increase the employee’s workload capacity;

4) Be mindful of cancer-related fatigue. Can the employee take breaks during the workday? Does she know where she can go to rest?

5) Concentration and memory issues can throw a wrench in the works. Summarize verbal messages in an email or memo;

6) Adapted work can make a big difference. See if the employee can start with lighter tasks, with as little pressure from deadlines as possible, for example;

7) Does the employee have to attend all meetings? Is working from home an option?

8) Check when follow-up medical appointments are scheduled so that work can be organized around them;

9) Not everyone wants to talk about cancer. Make sure you know how your employee feels about this;

10) Schedule regular follow-up conversations. Emphasize that these aren’t about monitoring, but rather about checking in to see how things are going. Show empathy and concern.


Women’s Experiences with Returning to WorkAfter Breast Cancer

A survey* of women returning to work after breast cancer shows that they often feel highly motivated, yet also very vulnerable. There is a great need for understanding and recognition of that vulnerability. Women would prefer to return to their normal lives as they were before, but all too often they hit a wall because they are no longer the same. The fear of performing less well or being a burden to colleagues can sometimes be overwhelming. A gradual return to work can offer a solution to this. Support from managers and coworkers, flexibility and understanding, adapted tasks, and above all, the feeling that one is—and will remain—welcome, are the keys to a successful return to work.


*Marinas-Sanz R, Iguacel I, Maqueda J et al. Facilitating Factors and Barriers in the Return to Work of Working Women Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study. Cancers 2023;15(3):874