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The Voice of People With Breast Cancer
Information
Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Daily Life
Work
Continuing or going back to work while living with metastatic breast cancer is a personal decision. For some people, work brings routine, social connection, and financial support. For others, the effects of treatment, like fatigue or emotional stress, can make it harder to keep working or return to a job.
It is possible for many people living with metastatic breast cancer to work part-time or full-time. Whether or not working is right for you depends on your symptoms, the kind of job you have, your financial situation, and how you are feeling both physically and emotionally.
Managing Side Effects at Work
Treatment side effects such as tiredness, trouble with memory or concentration (also called “brain fog”), and stress can make work more challenging. If you are thinking about continuing or going back to work, you might consider reducing your hours or starting slowly. Try working part-time or doing lighter duties at first. If your employer is flexible, a gradual return may help you adjust and take care of your health.
Workplace Accommodations
In Canada, employers must make reasonable changes (called accommodations) to support employees with health needs. These accommodations could include:
- Working part-time or having flexible hours
- Taking extra breaks during the day
- Getting time off to attend medical appointments
- Changing job duties or working from home
You do not have to tell your employer that you have cancer unless you are asking for sick leave, reduced time, or workplace accommodations. You also do not need to share any medical details with your coworkers unless you want to.
If you do share your diagnosis with your employer or human resources team, what you disclose must remain confidential and cannot be shared with other colleagues without your consent. You only need to provide enough information to explain what your workplace needs are.
If your employer requests medical documentation, your healthcare team can provide you with a note describing your needs or limitations without disclosing your private health information.
Consider keeping records or documenting:
- Requests for accommodations
- Emails or notes from meetings
- Agreements about modified duties or schedules
- Any instances where you felt unsupported or treated unfairly
Having written records makes it easier to follow up if plans change or if you need any additional support.
Occupational Rehabilitation
Some people take part in occupational rehabilitation programs to help them get ready for work again. These programs can help improve your energy, strength, memory, and focus. They may include practice tasks, symptom management strategies, and support from healthcare providers. Ask your healthcare team or insurance provider if these programs are available to you.
Choosing Not to Return to Work
You may decide that working is not the right choice. That is okay. You might need more time, or your workplace may not be able to meet your needs. Taking care of your health and well-being is what matters most. This is your decision, and there is no right or wrong answer.
Financial Support and Disability Income
If you are unable to work but require income support, you may be eligible for:
- Short-term or long-term disability benefits (through your workplace or private insurance)
- Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D)
- Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits
Each program has its own requirements and paperwork. Your healthcare provider or social worker can help guide you. You can also explore our FinancialNavigator database for help with finding financial support.
Talk to Your Healthcare Team
Before making any decisions, talk with your doctor or healthcare team about whether you are comfortable working. You can also speak with your employer or human resources team to explore options that work for you.
Resources
- Cancer and Work: A Canadian website with tools for people with cancer, employers, healthcare providers, and insurers. Topics include legal rights, workplace accommodations, and managing symptoms at work.
- References
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American Cancer Society. (2019). Returning to work after cancer treatment. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/be-healthy-after-treatment/returning-to-work-after-cancer-treatment.html
Canadian Breast Cancer Network. (n.d.). Metastatic breast cancer handbook: A guide for individuals living with stage IV breast cancer. https://cbcn.ca/web/default/files/public/Reports/E%20-%20mBC%20Handbook.pdf
Canadian Human Rights Commission. (n.d.). Duty to accommodate. Government of Canada https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/individuals/human-rights/duty-accommodate
Government of Canada. (1995). Employment equity act (S.C. 1995, c. 44). https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-5.401/
Maheu, C., Parkinson, M., Oldfield, M., Kita-Stergiou, M., Bernstein, L., & Esplen, M. J. (2016). Cancer and work. Cancer and Work. https://www.cancerandwork.ca/
Schmidt, M. E., Scherer, S., Wiskemann, J., & Steindorf, K. (2019). Return to work after breast cancer: The role of treatment-related side effects and potential impact on quality of life. European Journal of Cancer Care, 28(4), e13051. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.13051
Stoop, P. (2016). Returning to work after breast cancer treatment. Network News, 20(2), 15–17. Canadian Breast Cancer Network. https://pub.lucidpress.com/NNFall16/#iqa.Db6ZdKYC
Tevaarwerk, A. J., Lee, J. W., Terhaar, A., Sesto, M. E., Smith, M. L., Cleeland, C. S., & Fisch, M. J. (2016). Working after a metastatic cancer diagnosis: Factors affecting employment in the metastatic setting from ECOG-ACRIN's Symptom Outcomes and Practice Patterns study. Cancer, 122(3), 438–446. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.29656
The Canadian Cancer Society has a database that can be used to find local support services in your area. You can access it below:
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About CBCN
CBCN strives to voice the views and concerns of breast cancer patients through education, advocacy activities, and the promotion of information sharing.
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
185 Somerset St. West Suite 318, Ottawa, ON Canada K2P 0J2
Tel: 613-230-3044
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