Balancing Work and Treatment: Tips for Battling Breast Cancer While Working
Disclaimer: The information below is not intended as medical advice and is only intended to offer points you may wish to consider in 'non-emergency situations', together with signposting for more support. You should consult an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your or a loved one’s health. Dial 999 in an emergency if someone is in a life-threatening condition.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer with a lifetime risk for women of 1 in 7 *. Although this statistic may seem high, a cancer diagnosis can still come as a huge shock. Something you may be contending with following your diagnosis is whether you’ll still be able to/want to work during this time. This decision may be dependent on the type of breast cancer you have, your financial situation, any side effects, how you generally feel, as well as the support you have available. Should you continue working, we’ve put together some tips for how you can balance work and your wellbeing during treatment.
Communicate with Your Employer
The decision on how much to disclose about your treatment is deeply personal. But sharing information with your employer can be beneficial for a few reasons. You might want to consider talking to your line manager, but you may also need to communicate with HR, or anyone else in the workplace that may be able to offer support.
By doing so, you may be able to access reasonable adjustments, such as flexible working hours or remote work options, which can help you manage your treatment and work responsibilities more effectively. Opening up to your employer can also lead to further moral support from your colleagues, creating a more accommodating and empathetic work environment.
Set Boundaries
If you prefer to keep details about your experience private, it’s important to establish clear boundaries in the workplace to ensure your colleagues respect your decision. Communicating your preferences in regard to what topics you’re comfortable with discussing, if any, can be helpful. For example, you might say, “I appreciate your concern, but I prefer to focus on work while I’m here.”
Being clear about what you can and cannot handle in terms of workload can also be a way of putting these boundaries in place. If you’re unable to take on additional projects or work overtime consistently, communicate this to your team. You might say, “I’m currently managing my workload and can’t take on extra tasks right now.”
Practise Stress Management
You may find yourself under a lot more stress than usual as you undergo treatment, so you may want to find new ways to help you manage this. Practising stress management techniques can be incredibly beneficial in helping you cope with these feelings. Everyone’s approach to stress management is unique, but incorporating activities such as yoga and meditation into your daily routine can be particularly helpful. These practices can be done during the day or after your workday to help you unwind, relax, and promote a sense of calm.
Listen to Your Body
You know your body better than anyone else. If any of your symptoms start to interfere with your work, it’s important to consider what steps you need to take to address this. Your health should always be your top priority, and taking time to rest and recover is crucial for your overall wellbeing. There is absolutely no shame in needing a break, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
In fact, recognising when you need to step back and take care of yourself is a sign of strength and self-awareness. This might mean taking a day off, adjusting your work schedule, or even taking a longer leave of absence if necessary. Remember, your body is going through a lot, and it needs time to heal. By prioritising your health, both physical and mental, you’re ensuring that you can come back stronger and more capable in the long run.
Accept Help Where Necessary
Balancing a career with personal commitments is a challenge for many, and undergoing breast cancer treatment can only amplify this. It’s okay to acknowledge if you’re struggling and to accept help when you need it, be it physically or emotionally.
Talking to friends, family, or a counsellor about your feelings can provide emotional relief, and sometimes just having someone listen can make a big difference. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with daily tasks, whether it’s cooking, cleaning, running errands or covering a meeting for you.
If your workplace offers support services, such as counselling or support groups then try to take advantage of these resources - they are there to help you navigate this challenging time. And if you do need to eventually take time off work, do so without guilt.
