Returning to work: Three ways employers can support their staff after cancer

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Returning to work after a cancer diagnosis presents many challenges. Cancer impacts every area of life, and the professional life is no exception. When an individual re-enters the workforce, it is essential that employers engage with their staff to provide support and resources as needed.

This matter is personal to me. In 2018 at age 39, I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. I was working full-time while raising my two daughters who were both under age 5. I know the reality of facing a diagnosis while grappling with time away from work and worrying about my family amid my treatment.

Today I am the Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition, a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those with a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis. I employ a team of 13, many of whom are breast or gynecologic cancer survivors. We support people every day who are at the height of their careers when they receive a diagnosis that changes everything.

If and when someone is able return to work following treatment, I recommend three principles for employers to best support their staff: patience, compassion and curiosity.

Patience is key

When someone re-enters the workforce after treatment, they have likely experienced a lot of change. For those recovering from surgery, managing side effects from their past treatments, or still undergoing treatment, the adjustment period after returning to work can be significant.

For example, around 75% of individuals experience some form of cancer-related cognitive impairment (often termed “chemo brain”) from treatment. This presents as difficulty in concentration, trouble finding the “right word,” or difficulty in multitasking. These effects from treatment will often dissipate for individuals, but some will continue to have lasting challenges in memory or concentration.

When leadership shows patience, it sends a strong message of understanding and care. A cancer diagnosis results in physical, emotional, mental and spiritual distress. As your employee returns to the office, a patient environment can help them feel safe in their surroundings.

Lead with compassion

While each experience with cancer is unique, showing up with compassion offers validation and a deep sense of support when someone returns to work.

“When you look ‘good,’ people often assume you’re fully healed and that the hard parts are behind you and no longer shaping your work. But healing doesn’t end just because you’ve returned to the office, cancer changes you,” said Melissa Mercury-Luderman, a member of the Breast Cancer Coalition community who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.

“The boundaries I hold now come from a new perspective, and that can be hard for others who expect the same person to come back to work. What they don’t realize is that I’m not returning as who I was before breast cancer. I’m returning as an entirely new version of myself, and that means I need different things from my employer to do my best work in this new chapter.”

Stay curious

The return-to-work process is often accompanied by stress, overwhelm and uncertainty. A cancer diagnosis only adds to these feelings. As an employer, I encourage you to stay curious. An individual’s needs at work may shift as they continue some level of treatment, finish active treatment or journey further into survivorship.

Simply asking how they are feeling is a meaningful gesture that shows care and concern. Ask what they need to feel confident in their work. Are there tools or resources that can help address their concerns? Listen when they state their needs and their boundaries.

As survivors, we don’t want pity. We want a safe space to show up and be ourselves; we want to know that our work is valued, along with our lived experience. Some days will be harder than others. Employers who stay curious, engaged and open to learning will help ensure the transition back to the workforce is successful and sustainable.

Community at the Coalition

If your employee is looking for additional support following a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis, please encourage them to reach out to the Breast Cancer Coalition. We offer in-person, virtual and hybrid discussion groups, healing arts courses, a peer mentoring program and much more. Our services are always free of charge. Email [email protected] or visit bccr.org to learn more.

Christina Thompson is executive director of the Breast Cancer Coalition