Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer among women worldwide, affecting millions—including many of working age. Beyond the physical and emotional challenges of treatment, breast cancer survivors (BCSs) often face significant hurdles when returning to their professional lives. Returning to work (RTW) is not only a crucial step toward regaining normalcy but is also linked to improved quality of life and longer survival.
At Womeno, we understand the importance of supporting both survivors and employers through this critical transition. Our mission is to help create workplaces that recognize and accommodate the unique needs of breast cancer survivors, promoting successful and sustainable reintegration.
The Complex Journey of Returning to Work
Recent research highlights that despite advances in cancer care, many BCSs continue to struggle with symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, anxiety, and reduced work ability even a year after treatment. These ongoing health issues can make returning to work challenging.
A 2022 mixed-methods study followed breast cancer survivors who received personalized occupational health support aimed at aligning their health status with workplace demands. One year later, many participants still reported persistent symptoms that impacted their work capacity. Interviews revealed that personal circumstances, workplace culture, and societal factors all play significant roles in facilitating or hindering RTW.
Even in countries with strong protections for cancer survivors, these findings show that returning to work is rarely straightforward and underscores the need for tailored, integrative support.
How Womeno Supports Employers and Survivors
While medical care addresses the clinical aspects of breast cancer recovery, occupational health and workplace adaptation remain key components often overlooked. Womeno partners with employers to bridge this gap by providing expert guidance on:
- Understanding the challenges faced by breast cancer survivors
- Implementing workplace accommodations and flexible policies
- Training managers and HR professionals on supporting returning employees
- Enhancing communication between healthcare providers, survivors, and workplaces
- Promoting an organizational culture of empathy, fairness, and inclusion
Our B2B services empower companies to build supportive environments where breast cancer survivors can thrive professionally while managing their health.
Looking Ahead
The path back to work after breast cancer is complex and deeply personal. With the right support from both healthcare professionals and employers, survivors can successfully navigate this transition. Womeno is committed to helping businesses adopt inclusive policies and practices that honor the resilience and potential of every breast cancer survivor.
If your company is ready to support breast cancer survivors in their return-to-work journey, reach out to Womeno to learn how we can assist you in creating a more inclusive workplace.
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Reference:
The article draws on findings from the study: Pistone, M., et al. (2023).
Returning to Work after Breast Cancer: A One-Year Mixed-Methods Study in an Italian Hospital. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(8), 1057.
Read the full study here: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/8/1057
