By Annie Angle, cancer nurse, Dip. Oncology Nursing, Royal Marsden, London
Reviewed by: Dr Michael Jefford MBBS, MPH, MHlthsevMt, PhD, MRACMA, FRACP
Consultant Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Working after your treatment is over
What if my previous employer has treated me unfairly?
Possible challenges you may face if you do go back to work
Support with childcare and home duties
After any serious illness, people may be faced with practical problems. This section describes specific problems and suggestions about who to contact for help.
The Cancer Council Helpline (13 11 20) can provide contact details for many local services.
Many cancer survivors say that after they finish treatment they feel they want to get their ‘money matters' in order. This could mean talking with a superannuation fund, wanting to get life insurance or managing your income to provide for yourself or your family.
You many worry that because you have had cancer that you may no longer be eligible for certain financial services, for example, getting a credit card, mortgage or personal loan. Generally, you don't have to give your medical history to get any of these.
Getting new insurance (life, income cover or travel) may be more difficult because you have had cancer. You will need to provide your medical history for many insurance policies. Generally a mortgage is associated with some kind of insurance so you are likely to have to let them know that you have had cancer.
Many people do not know that they can claim disability benefits from their superannuation or insurance. If your working life is cut short, you probably won't have enough superannuation. Extra disability benefits will help you. This is because your superannuation is designed to last for an ‘average' period of retirement, not longer.
The Superannuation and Insurance Advice Service is a free service. It has been set up to provide legal advice to people with disabilities. The advice is given by volunteer lawyers. The service is based in Melbourne and is open between 6 pm and 8 pm every Thursday night at the Multiple Sclerosis Society, corner Gordon and Barkly Streets, Footscray. Appointments can be made by calling the Chronic Illness Alliance on 9805 9126. You can get free advice by telephone or by appointment.
You may wish to ask lawyers who have expertise in superannuation and insurance for advice or see a financial counsellor.
To find a lawyer who specialises in this area, call the Law Institute of Victoria Referral Service on (03) 9607 9550.
Some people may not have stopped working during their treatment. But if your cancer and its treatment have made it impossible for you to go back to your previous type of work, this can be very hard to accept. Some people may be able to re-train and take on a different occupation. This is a big commitment and may take a lot of courage and patience. Others may be physically able to return to their old job but not feel emotionally up to going back straight away.
Some cancer survivors want to take some time out from work after treatment and rethink what they would like to do with their life. Others are very keen to get back to work as soon as possible. For many, working may represent ‘normality' and is a sign that they are over their cancer. Some people have no choice but to return to work because of income and family needs.
If you had to leave your old job before or during treatment, you may find it hard to get another job now treatment is over. Most employers are very supportive of employing someone who has had cancer. But there may be situations where this may not be true and it can come as quite a shock. Everyone is different and reactions will vary. The most important thing is that whatever you have to do as far as working that you feel supported and informed about your choices.
Some people are forced to leave their jobs because of a cancer diagnosis or treatment. If you believe you have been unlawfully discriminated against because of a diagnosis of cancer. you should seek legal advice immediately.
You can obtain free initial advice from the Disability Discrimination Legal Service. This is a service that specialises in Disability Discrimination Law.
You can also contact the Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria or the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (Commonwealth). For contact details, see the support section in this booklet.
If you return to your job, or start a new one, and people are aware that you have had cancer treatment, you may face some challenges.
Some colleagues may treat you differently. They may not know how to react and be frightened of hurting your feelings so they will avoid saying anything at all. They may act like nothing has happened to you and take the attitude that you must be OK because you look well and seem to be able to do your job again. Others may ask you questions that you are not ready to answer. You may feel angry, hurt and frustrated by people's reactions.
Often, the more relaxed and open you are about your cancer and its treatment, the more likely it will be that your co-workers respond to you in a way that feels right for you. If you are having a lot of trouble settling back into your work life it may help to talk with a counsellor. Some work places will have someone on site that you can talk to. If not, call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
If you can no longer work, this can be very stressful. You will most likely still need a regular income to pay for bills, the mortgage or rent, and other living expenses.
It's important that you get the support and advice that you need. The Department of Human Services can help with financial and practical matters. For information on Commonwealth Government disability, sickness and carers payments, call Centrelink on 13 27 17.
Some people find it useful to see a financial adviser to discuss their financial concerns. (You may also hear them called a financial planner or consultant.) Your bank may have a financial adviser you can talk to. Or look for an independent financial adviser in the telephone book or on the Internet.
You may be eligible for help with childcare costs: call the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50.
Local councils provide a range of community and in-home services, including foster care for children, meals on wheels, house keepers and respite care. Telephone your council (listed by council in the White Pages).
For more information about practical and financial support, contact your local hospital, community health centre or the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
