Work is an important part of many people’s lives and most employed people diagnosed with cancer wonder how it will affect their ability to work. The information here helps you better understand how to manage your working life after a cancer diagnosis.
Whether you are able to continue working during treatment for cancer or while caring for someone with cancer will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of your job, treatment side effects, the flexibility of your workplace, your leave entitlements and personal matters (such as your finances and how much support you have from family and friends).
We hope this information helps you find a working arrangement that suits your own unique situation.
Learn more about:
- Key questions about cancer and work
- Managing your working life after diagnosis
- Making decisions about working
- Working during treatment and recovery
- Coping with side effects
- Working after treatment ends
- Self-employment and cancer
- Information for working carers
- Workplace rights
- Getting help and support
- Cancer stories
Additional resources
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.
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Looking for transport, accommodation or home help?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment
Cancer information
What is cancer?
How cancer starts and spreads
Dealing with the diagnosis
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis and how to find hope