Returning to Work

Many people who work at the time of their breast cancer diagnosis return during or after treatment [182-183].

Your health care provider can help you decide when (and if) you are able to work (part-time or full-time).

Going back to work after breast cancer treatment can improve your quality of life, including your emotional and social well-being [184-185].

However, staying at your job during treatment or returning to work after treatment ends can be hard, both physically and mentally [182-183]. Talk with your provider about ways to make things as easy as possible.

You may need to adjust some aspects of your job, especially during treatment and for the first months after treatment ends. Your employer may help you find ways to balance your job with any limits you may have.

Organizations, such as Cancer and Careers, offer tips on going back to work after breast cancer treatment.

Learn about insurance (including disability insurance) and other financial issues.