As advances in biotechnology continue to improve, so too do the treatment options available. These new treatments not only extend the lives of patients with metastatic breast cancer, but can also help provide improved quality of life. However, despite the good news, there patients continue to face challenges in the workplace. 

With a treatable yet incurable disease, many issues remain in terms of day-to-day living. Each cancer experience is unique, as is individual response to treatments. While one patient may be able to bounce back the next day, another patient may need time to recuperate for days or even weeks. Much as there are no "one size fits all" treatments, there are no protections that are universally applicable in the workplace. While FMLA and other such protections can help, for many this may not be enough. Hence, it is important to begin looking for creative ways to address this growing problem.

In November of 2015, a discussion was hosted by Susan G. Komen Utah to examine the ever increasingly complicated topic of living with cancer in the workplace. The discussion included individuals such as Brent Shimada, senior vice president of human resources for Energy Solutions, Rebecca Nellis, chief mission officer for Cancer and Careers, KUTV anchor Mary Nickles, and social worker at Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Lisa Gauchay.

For the full story, click here.