OncoCare
Cancer — a word that often brings a world of uncertainty and anxiety. For many of us, a diagnosis can be a life-altering event. The diagnosis may seem unexpected as well — most symptoms may mask themselves as a vast number of persisting conditions before you decide to have them examined by a doctor. Some such as cervical cancer in Singapore don't have obvious symptoms in the early stages. Once reality sets in, you wonder which parts of your daily life will change the most and which parts will maintain the normalcy you’ve been accustomed to. Particularly if you are in your working years, your first worry would be whether you can hold your position in your job.
In this article, we will explore the challenges that may arise after your cancer diagnosis and provide some insights into managing your work and daily life in this profound journey.
The journey through cancer is unique for each individual and is fraught with both physical and emotional hurdles. Undergoing treatment can lead to various side effects and symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. After several sessions of treatment, you may also experience some weight loss, changes in appetite, and possible mood changes. The unpredictability of cancer's course adds another layer of complexity to life planning and decision-making.
These physical and psychological changes can also manifest in your workplace. The added fatigue can make completing your tasks challenging, and the frequent medical appointments and cancer treatment sessions can disrupt your work routine. Your treatment-induced hair loss and weight loss may also affect your self-esteem, impacting your interactions at work.
To maintain your daily routines, you have to first manage the symptoms that come with the condition and the side effects of treatment. Understand that your body has new physical and mental limits, and adapt your lifestyle accordingly. Strategies such as scheduling rest periods, eating nutritious meals, and seeking supportive therapies can make a significant difference.
You may want to muscle through with a smile and say that you can do as much as you always could, even though you’re physically struggling from the side effects of cancer. It’s important to prioritise tasks and delegate your roles when necessary. Remember, admitting that you can only do less is perfectly okay. Have a chat with your employer about your new challenges and communicate openly to find a work arrangement that benefits you and your boss.
Having supportive employers and colleagues can make a world of difference. Your cancer diagnosis and condition may make you feel alienated. However, colleagues who are happy to check in on you and a workplace that will accommodate your constraints will reassure you that you’re not alone on this journey and significantly ease the stress of balancing work and health.
Remember your rights: if you are covered under the Employment Act and have worked in the workplace for at least three months, you can qualify for sick leave and hospitalisation leave. If you suspect that you are being treated unfairly due to your condition, you may contact Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) for advice.
More so than having a supportive work environment is coming home to a supportive family and community. Coming home to people who truly understand and support you can profoundly affect your mental and physical health. It's important that your family comprehends what you're going through and offers the kind of support that uplifts you, making you feel included and empowered during your cancer treatment journey in Singapore. Communicate with your friends and family about what they can expect from this condition and how you can carry on around them.
Deciding whether to continue working after a cancer diagnosis is deeply personal and should be your decision to make. You should consider various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, your physical and mental health, and the nature of your work. Resuming a career that requires manual labour or operating heavy machinery is not recommended if your condition takes a toll on your physical performance.
On the other hand, many cancer patients may wish to return to work, including those who are undergoing cancer treatment, as they derive a sense of purpose and satisfaction from their job. Some of their common concerns include :
A flexible work model, such as working from home or hybrid work model, if feasible, may be an attractive solution. They can also liaise with their employer to come up with a phased return to work which allows a gradual easing back to their job.
If you’re unsure, you should seek professional advice from a specialist to weigh in on your options while considering your condition.
Oncologists and health experts can provide tailored advice for your career based on your specific condition and capabilities, helping you make informed decisions about your work and life.
Even with a healthy pillar of support in your family and workplace, you may at times feel like you want to be around people who intimately understand your predicament. Speaking to a therapist, talking to your specialist over treatment, and joining a cancer patient support group can provide an emotional insight into your life post-diagnosis as you meet and connect with other people around Singapore who have either gone through the same dilemma you have.
Consulting a panel of oncology specialists for comprehensive treatment plans may yet offer a multidisciplinary approach to your recovery, through addressing the physical aspects of cancer, as well as the emotional and psychological challenges. By adding that to your treatment journey, you might be able to manage your work better.
The short answer is yes: your life and your career do not end after your cancer diagnosis. Navigating life after a cancer diagnosis is undoubtedly challenging. However, with personalised advice from medical professionals and oncology specialists and surrounding yourself in supportive work and home environments, you can maintain a normal, fulfilling life. While each cancer journey is unique, remember that many have continued their work and everyday activities, and there is always room for hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
“Expert knowledge means better care for cancer”
Written by:
Dr Lim Sheow Lei
MBBS (Australia, Honours)
MRCP (United Kingdom)
MD (United Kingdom)
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