[Returning to work after cancer]

Employees treated for cancer may dread returning to work. They are indeed afraid of what others will think, of their fatigue that has built up throughout treatments, of their memory disorders, as well as of the silence of their colleagues or employers. This return to work should be planned ahead or at least, discussed as much as possible. Though the disease itself cannot be a reason for dismissal, repeated absences from work due to the disease can be. Employees should thus seek counselling from a social worker who will offer them information and support concerning their rights (cessation of work, part-time medical leave etc.) and eventually will guide them through any other procedure (occupational reclassification, acknowledgment of disability, retirement rights etc.). Talking about the return to work is a necessary step: it enables the various professionals to adapt their relationships with patients.