Cancer, work and you

Cancer and its treatment can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including work. This section provides information for workers and employers about managing work after a cancer diagnosis.

For workers

The way that cancer affects your work and finances will depend on your individual situation. You may work on a casual, part-time or full-time basis, be self-employed, be looking for work, or work from home. The information in this section has been designed to help you understand more about finding a working arrangement that suits your situation.

Learn more about cancer in the workplace for workers.

For employers

Over 40% of new cancer cases in Australia occur in people of working age, so it is not unusual for a manager to provide support to an employee affected by cancer. Workplaces are also an important source of support for many people with cancer.

The information in this section has been designed to help managers and human resource professionals create supportive working environments for employees with cancer or caring responsibilities.

Learn more about cancer in the workplace for employers.

This information was last reviewed in November 2019. View who reviewed this content.

Kerryann White, Manager, People and Culture, Cancer Council SA; Nicola Martin, Principal, McCabe Curwood, NSW; Jane Auchettl, Coordinator, Education and Training Programs, Cancer Council Victoria; Craig Brewer, Consumer; Alana Cochrane, Human Resources Business Partner, Greater Bank Newcastle, NSW; Shona Gates, Senior Social Worker, North West Cancer Centre, North West Regional Hospital, TAS; Dianne Head, Cancer Nurse Coordinator, Metastatic Breast Cancer, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, NSW; Alex Kelly, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, Aon, NSW; Prof Bogda Koczwara AM, Senior Staff Specialist, Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Sharyn McGowan, Occupational Therapist, Bendigo Health, VIC; Jeanne Potts, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Michelle Smerdon, Legal and Financial Support Services Manager, Cancer Council NSW. We would also like to than the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.