For many cancer survivors, continuing to work can be a way to maintain a sense of routine or purpose in their personal lives. However, staying productive while maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be tricky while dealing with intense cancer treatment and side effects.

If you choose to keep working, here are some things that can help you adjust to working while living with cancer. 

In Australia? Read the Australian version of this post for information and support tailored to you.

Rethinking your expectations

Before delving into the details of flexible work hours or changes to your setup, it can be helpful to reconsider what you expect of yourself professionally. Work will likely feel different now, and hoping to slip back into your old pace of work is not just unrealistic, but also adds unnecessary pressure on yourself. Adjusting your expectations will enable you to set yourself up for greater success to continue working sustainably.

Some ways to reframe your expectations might include:

• Redefining what success means for you professionally (you might need to rethink your goals);
• Remembering that you’re different now, so expect that the nature of your work, what you can do, and your relationships in the workplace might change;
• Allowing flexibility, as what you can manage may shift day to day; and
• Celebrating small wins to acknowledge your effort and resilience.

Should I tell my boss I have cancer?

You’re not legally obligated to tell your boss or colleagues that you have cancer. However, doing so might help make it easier when discussing new working schedules and accommodations. This doesn’t mean that you have to share every last detail about your diagnosis and treatment. It’s up to you to decide how much you’d like to share about your personal life.

Before having this conversation with your manager, it’s best to prepare by:

• Drafting talking points about the key things you want to share before meeting with your manager or HR;
• Knowing your rights regarding aspects such as leave, flexible hours, and working remotely, so you can feel confident when discussing workplace accommodations; and
• Setting clear boundaries with your manager about what you’re comfortable sharing with other colleagues.

Managing side effects while working

Common side effects of cancer treatment include fatigue, brain fog, nausea, and pain, which can make work feel more challenging. Trying to push through them without accommodations can leave you drained and overwhelmed. To set yourself up for success, try planning ahead, making adjustments, and considering how you can be supported. This will help you continue working in a way that doesn’t lead to stress and burnout.

Some helpful strategies to manage side effects and improve work-life balance include:

• Re-working your to-do list into a “must-do” vs. “nice-to-do”
• Listening to your body and taking breaks before exhaustion sets in
• Using your best energy hours for more complex tasks
• Using technology, like planning apps, project management tools, or reminders, to help with memory and concentration
• Asking for help from others, like your manager or colleagues
• Communicating with your healthcare team about ways to manage or reduce side effects

Protecting your mental health

There are many practical issues to consider when you’re working and managing cancer, but looking after your mental health is just as important. Managing cancer treatment on its own can be emotionally draining, and juggling workplace stress and pressures can add to feeling overwhelmed. That’s why prioritizing your mental health is also an essential part of managing cancer treatment and work demands.

To ensure that you’re also taking care of your emotional well-being, try:

• Building in short mental breaks to pause, breathe, and reduce stress during the day
• Defining your boundaries and saying “no” when you need to protect your personal time
• Using mindfulness or relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety
• Spending quality time with loved ones (maintain healthy relationships with friends and family)
• Setting aside time for your own personal enjoyment (engage in hobbies or do things you enjoy)
• Staying active and keeping up with your regular exercise routine
• Seeking professional support through therapy, counseling, or support groups

A good work-life balance while living with cancer is possible

Continuing to work while undergoing cancer treatment is possible depending on your individual diagnosis and overall health. To make it work, you may need to reassess your professional expectations, adjust your daily schedule to accommodate any side effects, and continue caring for your physical and mental health. But even small changes, like maintaining personal relationships or pursuing hobbies, can make a huge difference in balancing work and wellbeing in the long term.