The Cancer and Careers blog is a hub of information on the various challenges that arise when work and cancer collide. From networking, to managing cancer day-to-day at work there are numerous issues that are important to think about as you approach work after a cancer diagnosis. Here is a recap of some of our most recent blog topics:

 It is rare to work in an office that has complete silence and little interruption. The reality of most work environments is that there are numerous distractions encountered throughout the workday. For many working during or after cancer treatment, fatigue and lack of focus, also known as “chemo brain” can be a lingering side effect. Though this does add to the difficulty of concentration, there are some helpful ways to deal with common distractions found in the workplace.

How to Stay Resilient During Challenging Times:

 Cancer can be both physically and emotionally taxing. However, those who are also working through a diagnosis or return to work after treatment, may experience other complicated feelings such as lower self-confidence and self-esteem. While such feelings are not at all uncommon, it helps to know how to handle these types of emotions.

 A resume is a potential employer’s first impression of you, so it is important that it highlights your best skills and assets. Unfortunately, many job seekers make small mistakes that can prevent them from even getting an interview. For cancer patients and survivors, the issue of a resume gap may be present as well. It’s important to be aware of the common resume mistakes and best practices for structuring your resume, to avoid being passed over from your resume alone.

What if My Job References Know I Have Cancer?:

 A major step in preparing for a job search is ensuring you have enough good references to provide. But for cancer patients and survivors, it’s a bit more complicated when references are aware of your diagnosis. Having a strategy for this situation can help you to make sure that information that you wanted to be private, stays that way, and you’re able to utilize positive references.

For more information on balancing work and cancer, check out 

Articles

Cancer and Careers offers a recap of their latest blog topics.

Cancer and Careers: Blog Recap

You are the world’s leading authority on your life and work. When mapping a plan for working through treatment, it’s important to marry your expertise with that of various members of your healthcare team. Below are three work-related topics to discuss with your team:

 Doctors oversee the “big picture” of treatment and prescribe the best approaches to get you from diagnosis to remission. As the person who oversees your “big picture” work goals, don’t be afraid to speak up! Ask about ways your specific surgery and protocols might be adjusted so it’s easier for you to continue working. For example, if your oncologist says “Come for chemo on Tuesday,” but you have an important deadline that day, ask if there’s a medical reason for that particular appointment time or if you can choose another day that’s more convenient for you.

. Nurses have considerable firsthand experience helping people manage the day-to-day realities of life during treatment — and are often more readily available for conversations than doctors are. Share the details of your workweek, such as your commute, job responsibilities, work environment, etc. Your care providers can help identify tasks that may become challenging and suggest approaches for maintaining comfort at work.

 Social workers are experts in thinking through the ins and outs of how people relate. They can help you determine ways to frame conversations you anticipate having with bosses, coworkers, etc. Spend time discussing the individual personalities of the people whom you work with, the quirks and “politics” in your workplace, as well as your feelings about discussing your cancer at your job. From there, develop short “scripts” so you’re prepared for various conversations before they occur.

 includes an entire section devoted to questions to ask your healthcare team about your treatment and work. You can order or download a free copy of the workbook 

, or you can download and print the individual lists of questions 

If you are a healthcare professional, be sure to download and print our checklist: 

Questions to Ask Your Patients About Work & Cancer

You are the worldâ€™s leading authority on your life and work. When mapping a plan for working through treatment, itâ€™s important to marry your expertise with that of various members of your healthcare team. 

Careers

Articles

Cancer and Careers: Blog Recap

The Most Important Expert on Your Healthcare Team: You