After completing cancer treatment, returning to work can be a significant milestone in your
recovery journey. It often marks a step toward regaining a sense of normalcy and rebuilding
your life after the challenges of treatment. However, transitioning back to work can also bring
a mix of emotions, including excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty about how to balance your
health with your job responsibilities. Whether you’re returning to your previous role or
exploring new opportunities, there are steps you can take to make the transition smoother and
more manageable. At Curo Care, we’re here to support you through this process with
personalized guidance and practical tips. Here’s how to navigate returning to work after
cancer treatment.
1. Take Time to Assess Your Readiness
Before returning to work, it’s essential to assess your physical, emotional, and mental
readiness. Cancer treatment can take a toll on your body and mind, and it’s important to
ensure that you’re prepared for the demands of your job.
∙Consult Your Healthcare Team: Talk to your doctor or healthcare team about your
readiness to return to work. They can help you assess your physical stamina, cognitive
abilities, and overall health to determine if you’re ready to resume your job
responsibilities. Be open about your job duties, so they can provide specific
recommendations based on your work environment and schedule.
∙Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels as you consider returning
to work. Are you still experiencing fatigue, pain, or other side effects from treatment?
If so, it may be necessary to ease back into work gradually rather than jumping in full-
time right away.
∙Consider Your Emotional Well-Being: Returning to work can be emotionally
challenging, especially if you’re still processing the impact of your cancer journey.
Take time to evaluate your emotional readiness and consider seeking support from a
counsellor or therapist if you’re feeling anxious or uncertain.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care provides personalized health coaching to help you
assess your readiness to return to work. Our health coaches work with you and your
healthcare team to ensure that you’re physically and emotionally prepared for this
transition.
2. Communicate with Your Employer
Open communication with your employer is key to a successful return to work. Discussing
your needs and setting clear expectations can help you ease back into your role while
ensuring that you have the support you need.
∙Schedule a Meeting: Before returning to work, schedule a meeting with your
employer or HR representative to discuss your transition back to the workplace. Be honest about your current capabilities and any accommodations you may need to
perform your job effectively.
∙Consider a Gradual Return: If possible, explore options for a phased return to
work. This could involve starting with part-time hours or light duties and gradually
increasing your workload as you regain your strength. A gradual return can help you
ease back into your routine without overwhelming yourself.
∙Request Accommodations: Don’t hesitate to ask for reasonable accommodations that
can help you manage your health while working. This may include flexible work
hours, the option to work remotely, additional breaks, or adjustments to your
workspace. Under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers
are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with health
conditions.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care helps you communicate effectively with your employer
and request the accommodations you need. Our health coaches offer guidance on how
to navigate workplace conversations and ensure that your transition back to work is as
smooth as possible.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
Returning to work after cancer treatment may not be the same as picking up where you left
off. It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your job performance as you
adjust to your new normal.
∙Pace Yourself: Understand that it may take time to get back into the rhythm of work.
Don’t put pressure on yourself to perform at your pre-treatment level right away. Be
patient and allow yourself the time you need to readjust.
∙Prioritize Tasks: Focus on prioritizing your most important tasks and breaking them
down into manageable steps. This can help prevent overwhelm and ensure that you’re
staying productive without overextending yourself.
∙Be Kind to Yourself: Returning to work after cancer treatment can be emotionally
and physically taxing. Be kind to yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.
It’s okay if things take time—what matters is that you’re moving forward at your own
pace.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care helps you set realistic expectations for your return to
work and provides strategies for pacing yourself and prioritizing tasks. Our health
coaches support you in navigating the challenges of balancing work with your
ongoing recovery.
4. Stay Focused on Self-Care
Incorporating self-care into your daily routine can help you manage the demands of work
while maintaining your recovery.
∙Take Breaks: Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to rest and
recharge. Even short breaks can help you manage fatigue and maintain your energy
levels. Don’t hesitate to step away from your desk when needed.
∙Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated are
essential for maintaining your energy and focus at work. Pack nutritious snacks and
meals to keep your body fuelled throughout the day.
∙Incorporate Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques like deep
breathing, mindfulness, or meditation to manage stress at work. These practices can
help you stay calm and centered, even during busy or challenging days.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care helps you prioritize self-care while balancing work and
recovery. Our health coaches provide personalized nutrition, relaxation, and self-care
strategies to ensure that you’re taking care of yourself both at work and at home.
5. Build a Support System at Work
Having a support system at work can make your transition back to the workplace more
manageable. Surround yourself with colleagues who understand your situation and can offer
encouragement and assistance when needed.
∙Connect with Colleagues: If you feel comfortable, consider sharing your experience
with trusted colleagues. Building connections with your coworkers can create a
supportive work environment and help you feel less isolated during your transition.
∙Identify a Point of Contact: Designate a point of contact at work, such as a manager
or HR representative, who can help you navigate any challenges that arise. Having
someone you can turn to for guidance or support can reduce stress and ensure that
your needs are met.
∙Join a Support Group: Consider joining a support group for cancer survivors who
are returning to work. Connecting with others who have gone through similar
experiences can provide valuable insights, encouragement, and practical advice.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care helps you build a support system at work by offering
guidance on how to connect with colleagues and seek support. Our health coaches
provide resources and encouragement to help you feel supported during your return to
work.
6. Be Prepared for Emotional Challenges
Returning to work after cancer treatment can bring up a range of emotions, from excitement
to anxiety. It’s important to be prepared for the emotional challenges that may arise and to
seek support when needed.
∙Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions as you return to
work. You may experience feelings of anxiety, fear, or even grief as you adjust to your
post-cancer life. Acknowledge these feelings and give yourself permission to process
them.
∙Seek Counselling or Therapy: If you’re struggling with the emotional challenges of
returning to work, consider seeking counselling or therapy. A mental health
professional can help you navigate your feelings and provide coping strategies to
manage stress and anxiety.
∙Celebrate Your Progress: Returning to work after cancer treatment is a significant
achievement. Take time to celebrate your progress and recognize how far you’ve
come. Acknowledge your resilience and strength and be proud of your journey.
∙Curo Care’s Role: Curo Care provides emotional support and counselling resources
to help you manage the emotional challenges of returning to work. Our health coaches
offer personalized guidance to help you navigate your feelings and stay focused on
your recovery.
Conclusion
Returning to work after cancer treatment is a major milestone in your recovery journey, but
it’s important to approach it with care and patience. By assessing your readiness,
communicating with your employer, setting realistic expectations, prioritizing self-care,
building a support system, and being prepared for emotional challenges, you can make the
transition smoother and more manageable. At Curo Care, we are here to support you every
step of the way, offering personalized health coaching and practical strategies to help you
navigate your return to work. Contact Curo Care today to learn more about how we can help
you succeed in your transition back to the workplace.
