When diagnosed with cancer, you first think that you will be off work for a long period. Like many other illnesses, cancer does not necessarily result in work incapacity or being off work for a long period. Most cancer patients return to work following treatment or even during treatment. Cancers are treated in many different ways and not all forms of treatment impede your ability to work. Treatment is usually done in such a way that the patient goes for treatment during the daytime and returns home for the night. Many forms of cancer treatment have side effects, the majority of which soon pass. But cancer treatment can also cause pain and fatigue during the period of treatment and even long after treatment has finished.

Some patients are able to work while having treatment. It is a personal decision whether you go to work or not during treatment. But many people need to take sick leave during treatment or to be at work on a part-time basis.

Working must not be a means by which cancer patient try to push on with living a normal life even though the illness makes it impossible. You need to allow time for recovery.

How should you tell them at work that you have cancer?

Not necessary that you tell anyone at work that you have cancer, but talking about it helps you cope with the new situation. Therefore you should decide whom you tell about your illness and to what extent. There is no obligation to inform your superior of the reasons for taking sick leave. However, because of occupational health, it is important that your superior knows about factors and illnesses that limit your work capacity should you be at work while receiving treatment.

In the beginning may be hard to talk about having cancer, but when cancer becomes part of your life it gets easier to talk about it. You can influence the way people react to the situation. You can speak openly about having cancer, be very matter of fact and unemotional. That way whoever you are talking to is able to behave in the same way. When news of your illness gets around at work, it can be awkward to find yourself the centre of attention. But at the same time, you shouldn’t worry as the majority of people will be compassionate.

You can ask colleagues to help out practically or your superior about flexibility with respect to various tasks. When there is a good working environment, colleagues behave just as they have done before and do not let illness define a person’s worth as an individual. Support from colleagues can greatly help you cope during the treatment period and makes it easier to return to working life.

How to make going back to work succeed?

A long absence from work require support, flexibility and rehabilitation. Cooperation between the employer, employee and occupational health service net in the best results.

​When you are on sick leave you should keep in touch with your workplace and discuss your situation with your superior. This makes it easier to return to work and anticipate what may be needed, such as flexibility in working hours or tasks.