Health Challenges

Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis at Work

Facing the Challenges of a Cancer Diagnosis

You’ve climbed the ladder through sheer determination and skill. You’ve overcome self-doubt, tackled intense project deadlines, and navigated the complexities of corporate politics–and now, you’re finally hitting your stride. But you’ve received a diagnosis that has turned your world upside down.

As a woman facing cancer, your journey encompasses various stages, each presenting unique challenges that intersect with your professional life. Whether grappling with a new diagnosis, undergoing treatment while working, or preparing to return to work post-remission, the impact on your career and well-being is profound.

Female professional working
Women executives having a meeting

The Reality of Cancer & Its Treatments

Working women facing cancer commonly report the following work-related difficulties:

  • Diagnosis: Processing the shock of a cancer diagnosis and managing the emotional and logistical complexities of treatment planning. (American Cancer Society, 2022)
  • Treatment while Working: Balancing work commitments with the physical and emotional demands of treatment regimens. (Canadian Cancer Society, 2022)
  • Returning to Work Post-Remission: Reintegrating into the workforce after completing treatment involves adjusting to new physical realities, managing lingering side effects, and rebuilding professional confidence.(WHO, 2022)
A significant number of women and individuals assigned female at birth will confront a spectrum of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms as they navigate their journey with cancer. These symptoms’ impact and intensity vary widely among individuals, but almost everyone encounters difficulties in managing them.

If you’re grappling with these symptoms or other effects of cancer and its treatment, remember you’re not navigating this path alone. If you’re unsure how to handle these challenges in a professional setting, know that many others face similar uncertainties:

2.3 million

The number of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 (WHO, 2024)

1 in 8

The proportion of women in North America who will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. (American Cancer Society, 2022)

Higher Rates

Women also experience higher rates of cancer-related health issues, including increased fatigue, cognitive impairment, and emotional distress (Canadian Cancer Society, 2022), (Canadian Cancer Statistics 2024).

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References

  1. American Cancer Society – “Key Statistics for Breast Cancer” – ACS.
  2. Canadian Cancer Society – “Breast cancer statistics” – CCS
  3. Canadian Cancer Society. Canadian Cancer Statistics 2024. 2024: CCS
  4. World Health organization – Breast cancer fact sheet (2024) WHO
  5. Arnold M, Morgan E, Rumgay H, Mafra A, Singh D, Laversanne M, Vignat J, Gralow JR, Cardoso F, Siesling S, Soerjomataram I. Current and future burden of breast cancer: Global statistics for 2020 and 2040. Breast. 2022 Dec;66:15-23. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2022.08.010. Epub 2022 Sep 2. PMID: 36084384; PMCID: PMC9465273. Arnold
  6. Brenner DR, Gillis J, Demers AA, Ellison LF, Billette JM, Zhang SX, Liu JL, Woods RR, Finley C, Fitzgerald N, Saint-Jacques N, Shack L, Turner D; Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee. Projected estimates of cancer in Canada in 2024. CMAJ. 2024 May 12;196(18):E615-E623. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.240095. Erratum in: CMAJ. 2024 Jun 2;196(21):E731. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.240712. PMID: 38740416; PMCID: PMC11090635. Brenner.
  7. Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – Programs and Resources to Facilitate Return to Work for People with Cancer or Other Chronic Diseases (2012) – CPAC
  8. Tan FSI, Shorey S. Experiences of women with breast cancer while working or returning to work: a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. Support Care Cancer. 2022 Apr;30(4):2971-2982. doi: 10.1007/s00520-021-06615-w. Epub 2021 Oct 13. PMID: 34647131. Tan

Disclaimer: This one-pager offers a summary of key topics in women's health, supported by research data and sources. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace detailed academic studies. For more comprehensive and detailed insights, please refer to the original research cited.