I am an employer

Breast cancer not only affects people physically, but also emotionally and financially.

If you are an employer, manager, supervisor or human resources representative and one of your employees is diagnosed with breast cancer, you play an important role in supporting them in the workplace.

How to support your employee

Supporting your employee can make a big difference to them and their ability to continue to do their job. It can also mean you meet your legal obligations.

The best way to support your employee will depend on the type of work they do, their diagnosis and treatment, and whether or not they need or want to work throughout and beyond their treatment.

The information throughout this section provides information about your obligations as an employer and how to manage an employee’s breast cancer diagnosis within the workplace.

Useful information

For further information, the following resources are available:

• Download BCNA's fact sheet Tips for managers of people diagnosed with breast cancer for strategies to support your employee.
• Download Work rights and responsibilities – for employers to familiarise yourself with the rights and responsibilities of an employer of a person with a serious illness.
• As an employer you can access advice, and financial and practical assistance to help support you at JobAccess. Call 1800 464 800 or visit www.jobaccess.gov.au.
• For a simple explanation of breast cancer, download the plain English version of the About breast cancer booklet.