June is National Cancer Survivor Month! The American Cancer Society uses the term "cancer survivor" to refer to anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer no matter where they are in the course of their disease. It's a time to celebrate cancer survivors and support those currently battling the disease. According to the most recent statistics from Cancer.gov, as of January 2019, there were an estimated 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States. The number of cancer survivors is projected to increase to 22.2 million by 2030. This projected positive trend is another reason to celebrate this month.
As a survivor newly entering, or getting back into the workforce, you may need a skills refresh, or job accommodations for the first time. Here are some resources especially designed to help survivors pursue employment.
This website seeks to educate people with cancer about how to thrive in the workplace by providing advice about job searching, networking and updating your resume. There is a section on managing your online reputation, which can sometimes be a factor in your job search. There are also articles and webinars on how to communicate with employers after a cancer diagnosis, and to learn about accommodations in the workplace.
The American Cancer Society has a wide selection of information for survivors, including an article regarding Going to Work During Cancer Treatment. It offers tips from experts to help balance your time, work, and feelings. Another article to check out is Returning to Work After Cancer Treatment. It provides help with conversations on your health status, reasonable accommodations and legal protections.
CancerCare.org is a national organization that provides free professional services and information to help manage the challenges of cancer. There is a factsheet about Cancer and the Workplace that discusses your legal rights as an employee during and after cancer treatment. Topics like Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are explained to help with covered time off and more. There are also suggested points to discuss with your doctor to prepare a plan to make work more comfortable during treatment.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center features many resources and articles on research, education and more. Specifically, there are are a couple of articles on employment.
Find a full section of resources for cancer survivors about navigating the workplace during and after treatment. For example, there is a quick guide to explain what is sometimes called "Chemo Brain." ("Chemo Brain" refers to cognitive challenges that may occur after you receive chemotherapy). The quick guide also discusses job accommodations you may need to help you perform better.
Let's take today, and every day to support cancer survivors in every way we can. Also, take a moment to read Laura's story. She is a Ticket to Work participant and cancer survivor. Laura's path to success included receiving help from her Ticket to Work service provider and other supportive members of her community.
If you are working while you receive Social Security Benefits, (SSDI/SSI), be sure to explore the Ticket Program. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.
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