Cancer and work
In the world of work, an increasing number of employees are affected by cancer. Every day in France, 1,000 people, including 400 who are employed, learn they have cancer. While these numbers may initially seem pessimistic, they actually reflect earlier diagnoses, more effective and less invasive treatments, and an increased retirement age. Over the past 25 years, cancer mortality rates have continuously decreased.
Therefore, maintaining and returning to work for individuals affected by cancer has become a major societal issue. Cancer impacts not only personal life but also professional life. Five years after a cancer diagnosis, 63.5% of individuals suffer from cancer or treatment-related side effects (such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression), which can affect their work, and 20% have lost their jobs, particularly among those with lower educational levels, those over 50, and those with precarious employment contracts.
Returning to work is a crucial and recognized factor in the care of individuals with cancer. It influences quality of life, financial security, and the maintenance of a stable social environment. Support for individuals in returning to and maintaining employment is essential, whether for employees, managers, or colleagues.
Patients and caregivers – Our guides
Brochure « Cancer and work – Breast Cancer » in Pays de la Loire
Developed with the support of Europa Donna and aimed at breast cancer patients, this brochure created by SIRIC ILIAD aims to guide patients through their professional steps following their cancer.
You will find, among other things, resource professionals as well as systems that can help you return to your professional activity. Structured around different professional statuses (private employee, self-employed, civil servant, etc.), this brochure will also provide you with the keys to approaching the stages of your return to work with confidence.
To download it, click here.
Guide « Cancer and work – Multiple myeloma»
This guide was created by SIRIC ILIAD and developed with the support of AF3M to present where to find help and whom to contact to resume professional activity following an illness.
To download it, click here.
Managers
“What support can I offer to an employee who discloses having cancer?”
As a manager, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for supporting an employee with cancer, as each situation is unique.
That’s why we will soon offer a manager’s guide, in partnership with the Pays de la Loire Region, designed to support you by providing tools to address your questions.
Additionally, the “Cancer and Employment” Business Club of the National Cancer Institute provides various resources for work organizations: