Looking after yourself

After a breast cancer diagnosis, everyone’s priorities are different. You may continue to work, take time off or give up work completely. There is no right or wrong, and your choice will be dependent on your circumstances. 

Treatment and side effects

Side effects from breast cancer differ from person to person. It is important to talk to your employer about potential side effects from treatments like surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy so they can make the necessary adjustments for you.

You may need time away from work to have treatment, to rest and recuperate physically and emotionally.

On your return to work, it’s likely you will need to adjust your working day to accommodate for fatigue and physical capability. Honest communication with your employer about your needs will help make this process easier.

'Chemo brain'

Chemotherapy can sometimes cause cognitive changes such as difficulty thinking clearly and problems with memory and attention.

These side effects are often referred to as ‘chemo brain’ or ‘chemo fog’. These changes can last months or longer and can affect a person’s confidence at work and in social situations.

If you are experiencing ‘chemo brain’, you may like to speak with your doctor and develop some strategies to help you to feel more in control and confident including:

• keeping lists
• doing one or two tasks at a time
• reducing distractions
• planning and taking things slowly.

When choosing to adopt these strategies, speak with your employer so they are aware and can support you moving forward.

Metastatic breast cancer

If you have metastatic breast cancer, it is likely you will fluctuate from feeling well to feeling unwell. This is dependent on your treatment, the stage of the disease and how you feel physically and emotionally.

It’s a good idea to speak with your employer about when you are likely to feel well enough to work and together you can arrange your work tasks accordingly.