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Breast cancer & men
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About BCNA

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Our Impact

Understand our full impact Policy and advocacy priorities Working with consumers Partnerships & collaboration Publications & reports

Work and breast cancer

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In 2023 it is estimated that 20,458 women and 217 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. A diagnosis can turn someone’s world upside down and has a ripple effect not only on family and friends but also employers and work colleagues. 

Alongside medical treatment, returning to work follow a diagnosis is a key factor contributing to overall quality of life in breast cancer survivorship. 

If you need assistance at any time

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I'm an employee and have breast cancer

Deciding what to do with work after your breast cancer diagnosis is a personal decision – there is no right or wrong answer. Take time to evaluate your work and financial situation and what's going to be best for you.

View all Resources
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Article

I am an employee and have breast cancer

Making decisions about work and understanding your employee rights when you are diagnosed with breast cancer is important
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Article

Talking to your employer

Sharing your breast cancer diagnosis with your employer can be difficult. This information can help you through the process
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Article

Talking to your colleagues

If you choose to, there may be benefits of speaking about your diagnosis in the workplace
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Article

Your legal rights and responsibilities

Cancer is considered a disability under Australian law. You cannot be treated less favourably at work because of a breast cancer diagnosis
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Article

Financial options and entitlements

You may want or need to take time off work for treatment. Know your rights and what you may need to think about
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Article

Looking after yourself

After a breast cancer diagnosis, you may keep working, take time off or give up work completely. Your choice depends on your situation
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Article

Looking for a new job

When looking for work after breast cancer, know what an employer can ask and find tips about disclosure and interviews
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Article

Working through treatment

Self-employed and diagnosed with breast cancer? We have advice for decisions around working, returning to work or managing life roles
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Podcast

Work after breast cancer: Tackling the difficult conversations

Let’s be Upfront about working after breast cancer and tackling the difficult conversations you may need to have with your employer.

I am an employer of someone with breast cancer

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.

View all Resources
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Article

I am an employer

The role of employers, supervisors and human resources teams in supporting an employee diagnosed with breast cancer
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Article

As an employer, how can I help?

Ways to support your employee after a breast cancer diagnosis, during their treatment and as they plan a return to work
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Article

Communicating with your employee

Tips to help employers talk to an employee who has a breast cancer diagnosis
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Article

What to expect

What employers should consider when an employee has breast cancer: physical, emotional and mental side effects of treatments will vary
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Article

Joint planning and workplace flexibility

When your employee is off work for breast cancer treatment, create a 'return to work' plan so you can discuss and agree the best way forward
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Article

Legal rights and responsibilities

Employers have legal responsibilities to employees with cancer. Legislation includes Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Fair Work Act 2009

I am self employed and have breast cancer

Worries about money and work are common for those affected by breast cancer. However, these can be especially difficult if you are self-employed.

View all Resources
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Article

I am self-employed

Navigating breast cancer when self-employed
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Webcast

Work and Breast Cancer and being self-employed

'Work and breast cancer' series part 2
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Article

Financial supports

If you are self-employed, you may need financial advice or support to continue your business during breast cancer treatment
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Article

Communicating your diagnosis

It may help to share your diagnosis with business clients and contacts if you need to make changes during treatment

I am a colleague of a person with breast cancer

The news that your colleague has been diagnosed with breast cancer can come as a shock.

This information will help you understand breast cancer and the things you can do to support your colleague.

View all Resources
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Article

I am a colleague of someone with breast cancer

Ways to help and support a colleague diagnosed with breast cancer
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Article

Impact on work

How to help a colleague with breast cancer after their diagnosis, during treatment, and beyond
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Article

How can I help?

Ideas to help a colleague during their breast cancer treatment, and beyond
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Article

What should I say?

Ways to support a colleague who is diagnosed with breast cancer, including listening without feeling you must have all the answers
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Article

Things that won't help

When a colleague is diagnosed, find out what won't help as you try to support them

Your support tools

Based on the experience of the BCNA network of Australians affected by breast cancer, we have developed resources to help you feel informed, connected and supported.

Resource Hub
Learn more

Read, listen and watch

Our dedicated library of articles, podcasts, videos and personal stories
My Journey
Learn more

Access information tailored to your diagnosis

Our go-to online tool for evidence-based information about breast cancer, its treatment and the management of side effects
Online Network
Learn more

Talk to others

An online forum where you can chat with other people going through a similar experience
Event directory
Learn more

Attend, learn and connect

BCNA regularly hosts in-person and online events for people affected by breast cancer
Service Finder
Learn more

Find helpful services

Find a wide range of breast cancer-related services based on your location
My Decision
Learn more

Understand my options

Information tools to help you make the decisions that are right for you
My Care Kit
Learn more

Get a free support kit

Get a free Berlei post-surgery bra and soft form from BCNA

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