Health-related changes: cancer

The value of supporting workers experiencing cancer-related changes 

Cancer is a major cause of illness in Australia and many diagnoses occur among the working population. Many people are able to work during and following treatment, and many cancer survivors are both willing and able to return to work. 

Generally, workers do not have to inform their workplace about their health, unless it will affect their capacity to perform their role or presents a safety risk to the person or their colleagues. However, supporting health-related changes offer opportunities for people and organisations to collaborate to develop effective responses that support workers to remain productive and effective at work. 

Where a worker is required or chooses to disclose information about their health, employers must ensure that the information is handled in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and any other relevant laws. 

Common symptoms of cancer treatments include fatigue, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea and headaches. Managing these symptoms at work can be challenging, and people may also experience periods of mental ill-health at the same time. 

What organisations can do to support cancer-related transitions 

Here is how your organisation can support cancer-related transitions: 

• Take a person-centred approach that focuses on treating people with compassion and respect. 
• Provide workplace flexibility, particularly around time and conditions of work, to accommodate the effects of a person's cancer diagnosis or treatment. 
• Implement supports, including temporary alternative duties and adjustments such as ergonomic work tools. 
• Regularly evaluate any adjustments and continue to modify in line with the person's needs and preferences. 
• Be aware of potential workplace discrimination. 
• Encourage communication and transparency with team members to clarify expectations, and enable the team to offer support and assistance. 
• Provide avenues of support for co-workers (sometimes when we know someone has been diagnosed with cancer it can trigger memories or experiences for others).
• Prepare a documented return-to-work plan to help with communication and expectations for all parties. Confirm who is responsible for monitoring progress of the return-to-work plan, and the interval of planned follow up meetings.
• Acknowledge that not everyone will want to communicate their experience with peers and other team members. So, it is important to consider this, especially if the person needs additional leave or temporary time off to seek treatment. 

When returning to work, people may need additional workplace adjustments due to disability or long-term physical impediments.  

Some people experiencing cancer may receive a terminal diagnosis, which will affect them and their co-workers. These situations must be approached with respect for the person, e.g. thinking through issues such as how to best manage communication and farewells.  

People being treated for cancer can be productive and effective at work, with the right supports. The right supports might change over time, so check in with people regularly and adjust their supports as necessary. 

How people can manage cancer treatment while working 

Managed well, working can benefit people with cancer by providing routine and structure, improved financial resources, social connections and options to feel ‘normal’ 

Here is what you can do if you are navigating cancer diagnosis and treatment while working: 

• Connect into the cancer care team (including your GP) who can play a key role in return-to-work planning. 
• Use lists, set reminders and put clear daily structures in place, and reduce distractions and multitasking. 
• Schedule regular breaks as protected time to manage fatigue. 
• Work closely with employers and managers around proactive communication with colleagues and clients, when needed. 

Working during your cancer treatment helps to keep you feeling ‘normal’. But be careful not to overdo it. Let your supervisor, colleagues and clients know if you need to work differently for a while.