13 Jan Cancer Treatment and Work: A Survivor’s Guide to Navigating Both

Cancer Treatment and Work: A Survivor’s Guide to Navigating Both

“So, do I have to go to work tomorrow? How do I tell my boss? Will they still want to promote me? How do I interact with my coworkers when I hate how I look and feel? How do I even work during chemo? Why does work even matter when I’m fighting for my life?”

These were just a few of the questions racing through my mind after my cancer diagnosis. Surely, being diagnosed with cancer gets you out of doing everything, right? Wrong.

In reality, navigating work during cancer treatment is anything but straightforward. I was fortunate to be working remotely, but the challenges were still overwhelming. Balancing symptoms, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy, handling insurance claims, and managing FMLA—all on top of work—was an incredible amount to juggle.

For many, taking time off for cancer treatment isn’t as simple as it sounds. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take leave for medical reasons, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting paid. And while some employers offer short-term disability or more flexible accommodations, those options aren’t guaranteed. The system often forces cancer patients to choose between their health and their paycheck, which is an impossible position to be in.

Here’s what I learned along the way about balancing work and treatment, and some advice for anyone facing similar questions:

Be honest with your employer (but share what you’re comfortable with)

Telling your boss about your diagnosis is daunting, but it’s important to have this conversation early. The good news? You don’t have to spill your entire medical history. Just share what they need to know: how treatment might impact your schedule, any accommodations you may need, and your commitment to continuing your role (if that’s your plan).

Your HR department is your friend here—they can decode benefits, leave policies, and any legal protections available to you.

Set boundaries and advocate for yourself

Once your boss is in the loop, it’s time to set some boundaries and adjust expectations. Be honest about your energy levels—some days, you might feel ready to tackle big projects, and other days, even replying to emails might feel impossible. Share what they need to know so you’re not overcommitted or stretched too thin.

If your workplace offers accommodations like flexible hours, remote work, or adjusted responsibilities, don’t hesitate to use them. Delegating tasks or extending deadlines isn’t slacking—it’s survival. And if short-term disability or leave is an option, take it guilt-free. Prioritizing your health is the most important job you’ve got right now.

Interacting with coworkers

You might worry about changes in your appearance or energy levels but remember that most people just want to support you. You don’t have to overshare—something simple like, “I’m going through treatment, so my energy might vary,” sets the tone.

If you’re not in the mood for unsolicited advice or awkward pep talks, it’s fine to gently redirect the convo. Something like, “I appreciate it, but I’m focusing on work today” usually does the trick.

I remember joining my first video meeting after losing my hair, and I was SO nervous. I wore a cute hat and guess what? No one even mentioned my appearance. Sometimes, the things we worry about are the last thing on anyone else’s mind.

Dealing with guilt and self-doubt

Let’s talk guilt. You might feel bad about not being your usual superstar self at work, but let’s get real cancer isn’t a choice. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.

Forget being “perfect” right now. Your coworkers and managers (the good ones, anyway) will understand. Take it from me: don’t try logging into Zoom meetings and answering emails from a hospital bed with a collapsed lung. (Yes, I did that. No, I don’t recommend it.)

Remember, this is a temporary phase, not a reflection of your capabilities or future potential.

Celebrate the small wins

Some days, just getting out of bed and logging into work can feel like an achievement (I couldn’t even hold a toothbrush to brush my own teeth some days, so logging into work was a BIG deal). Celebrate those moments! They’re proof of your strength and resilience, even when everything feels impossible.

Above all, give yourself grace

What matters most is finding a balance that works for you—whether that means continuing to work, taking leave, or something in between. You are literally fighting something trying to kill you, don’t be hard on yourself if you aren’t meeting your career goals or if chemo brain is impacting your work. You are what matters most, not your job.

A big thank you to our former intern and cancer survivor Olivia, for continuing to provide helpful tips and insight from her journey with cancer. Interested in sharing your story or writing for us, we’d love to hear from you! Please send an email to [email protected].

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