Working During Treatment

Many people who work at the time of their breast cancer diagnosis continue to work during treatment or return to work soon after treatment ends [199-201].

Your health care provider can help you decide when (and if) you’re able to work (part-time or full-time).

Going back to work after breast cancer treatment can improve your quality of life, including your emotional and social well-being [202-203].

However, staying at your job during treatment or returning to work after treatment ends can be hard, both physically and mentally [199-201]. Talk with your health care provider about ways to make things as easy as possible.

Learn about insurance (including disability insurance) and other financial issues.

Making adjustments to your job

You may need to adjust some aspects of your job, especially during treatment and for the first months after treatment ends.

Your employer may help you find ways to balance your job with any limits you may have.

Organizations, such as Cancer and Careers, offer tips on going back to work after breast cancer treatment.

Susan G. Komen® Support Resources

If you or a loved one needs more information about breast health or breast cancer, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636). All calls are answered by a trained specialist or oncology social worker in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT). You can also email the helpline at helpline@komen.org. We offer an online support community through our closed Facebook Group – Komen Breast Cancer group. The Facebook group provides a place where those with a connection to breast cancer can discuss each other’s experiences and build strong relationships in order to provide support to each other. Visit Facebook and search for “Komen Breast Cancer group” to request to join the closed group. Our fact sheets, booklets and other education materials offer additional information.

 Updated 06/14/21