MOST CANCER PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS ARE EAGER TO CONTINUE WORKING

• Several factors motivate employees with cancer to continue working after diagnosis, including feeling well enough (69 percent), wanting to keep things as normal as possible (48 percent) and wanting to feel productive (38 percent).
• The majority of survey respondents feel that cancer recovery is aided by the routine nature of work (79 percent), and that addressing issues such as work/life balance is critical (67 percent).

THE MAJORITY OF RESPONDENTS TOOK MINIMAL TIME OFF FOLLOWING DIAGNOSIS

• More than half (60 percent) of survey respondents reported taking no time off or only a few days off before returning to work after diagnosis.

SURGERY COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS AFFECTS WORK MORE ADVERSELY THAN SURGERY ALONE

• People who supplement surgery with other treatment options are more likely to report fatigue or trouble concentrating (40%) compared to those who only undergo surgery (11%).

THE RECENTLY DIAGNOSED FEEL MORE COMPELLED TO WORK, BUT ALSO FACE MORE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS THAT CAN IMPACT THEIR CAREERS

• Those newly diagnosed or currently in treatment were most eager to continue work. Most (73 percent) felt employment gave them a sense of purpose and was tied to their identity.
• Approximately 20 percent of the newly diagnosed or those currently in treatment also reported feeling that cancer prevented them from carrying out professional responsibilities, reaching their true potential or performing at the same level as their peers.