Just diagnosed and not sure what to do next? Aren’t sure how to share the news at work, deal with insurance or what steps to take next? We’ve pulled together some of our most popular content to help you overcome some of those initial hurdles after cancer diagnosis.
First things first...
Create an Action Plan
Having a plan can help restore your sense of control and leave you with more energy to cope with the rest of the process. But keep it flexible, because things will change. Start by make a list of everything you need to do — breaking it up into small parts can make things less daunting — and then prioritizing. And don’t forget the cardinal rule of management: Delegate whenever possible. Read more about how to create an action plan: www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/creating-an-action-plan
Sharing the News
One of the biggest challenges employees with cancer face is sharing their diagnosis with their employers and coworkers. Should you tell? And if you do share your diagnosis, determining what to tell — and to whom — can give rise to a complicated grid of questions. We’ve pulled together some tips to get you started on these first steps: www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Sharing-the-News
Managing Treatment Side Effects
Cancer can drain you physically and mentally, but there are ways to bolster your inner reserves. You can cut down on stress by simply admitting that you aren’t a superwoman. Specially tailored food and fitness plans can ward off fatigue and other side effects. Plus, there’s your psyche — the most important weapon in your arsenal against the disease. Plus get information on wigs, skin care, exercise and more: www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Managing-Treatment-Side-Effects
Legal and Financial
Worried about your insurance now that you’ve been diagnosed with cancer? Want to know what legal rights you have or how to take time off from work for treatment? Then read more in the Legal & Financial section of our website: www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Legal-and-Financial
Manager’s Kit
You’ve decided to disclose your cancer diagnosis to your employer. What’s next? The Manager’s Kit is a publication designed for you to give to your boss to help start or smooth the conversation. We’ve laid out the “need-to-know” laws that relate to cancer in the workplace, successful workplace strategies and tips for working with your HR department. Begin navigating your cancer in the workplace here: www.cancerandcareers.org/en/managers-toolkit
Collective Diary
Read stories from other men and women who have not just survived but thrived during and after cancer treatment, on our Collective Diary: www.cancerandcareers.org/diary
Ask a Career Coach
And lastly, for personalized advice on any problem that you encounter while managing cancer and employment, post your question to our board: www.cancerandcareers.org/career-coaching.