Forum Discussion

Christina_BCNA's avatar
Christina_BCNA
Community Manager
3 days ago

🤔❓"Can I/should I work during breast cancer treatment?"

This is a question that comes up often. Some people may find that continuing to work during your treatment helps to bring a sense of "normality" to your life. It can also help to keep you occupied during your treatment.

However, you may not feel able to work everyday, especially if you are experiencing side effects such as fatigue or nausea. 

Here are some tips for managing work while through your experience with breast cancer:

✨ Talk to your employer as soon as possible about your diagnosis. They may be able to work out a job share or reduced hours arrangement for you.

✨ Find out your entitlements regarding paid and unpaid leave from your manager or human resources manager.

✨If you are self-employed you may be able to find someone to step into your role for a while.

✨ If your work includes manual tasks, talk to your doctor about whether these aspects of your job need to be modified.

✨ If you have income protection or trauma insurance you may be eligible to make a claim while going through your treatment. Some superannuation funds include insurance – you can call your company to ask about this.

✨ Early access to superannuation may be another option for you. Generally, you cannot access your superannuation until you have reached the minimum retirement age. However, in some circumstances you can apply to access your superannuation early. These include severe financial hardship or compassionate grounds. Before you apply for early access to your superannuation, it is important to understand the short and long-term financial impacts of taking money out of your superannuation early. Contact a financial adviser who will be able to offer assistance and advice that is most appropriate for you.

"I returned to work one day after finishing radiotherapy. Now, looking back, I wish I had taken some time off to rest and relax." - Melissa, BCNA Member 

👉 Click here for more information on finances and practical support during breast cancer

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1 Reply

  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    3 days ago

    It’s very variable. It depends on many things. First, your physical state - nausea and fatigue will make working extremely difficult. Then your mental state - many yearn for as much peace and quiet as possible, to get through treatment and to come to terms with one’s diagnosis and possible implications. These are important considerations.

    I worked full time throughout treatment. I had no nausea, never felt remotely sick, and had no fatigue. I feared brain fog but didn’t have that either. Most of all, I wanted life to be ‘normal’, doing what I normally did. It helped me to engage with other things, not dwell too much on cancer and overall helped  my sense of optimism. Time for reflection and coming to terms with my own mortality came much later, after a year or so of keeping things more or less on an even keel. I could cope with all that much better later. That arrangement worked well for me, but it’s not guaranteed to work for everyone. If at all possible, follow your own instincts about what you need, when you need it.