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Living With Breast Cancer/Work, School, and Leisure

6 Ways To Ease Back Into Work After Breast Cancer Treatment

Written by MyBCTeam
Posted on August 18, 2026
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Returning to work after breast cancer treatment can feel like stepping back into a life that doesn't quite fit the same way anymore. Here's what may help make that transition smoother.

 
Tip #1

Schedule a Return-to-Work Conversation

Before or right when you return, consider scheduling a meeting with your supervisor and close colleagues. This gives everyone a chance to get on… Read more

Before or right when you return, consider scheduling a meeting with your supervisor and close colleagues. This gives everyone a chance to get on the same page about what to expect and what kind of support might help.

You’re not required to share your full medical history with your employer. Keeping firm boundaries around what you discuss can help you stay in control of your own narrative at work.

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Tip #2

Ease in With a Flexible Schedule

Jumping right back to full-time hours or a heavy workload may feel overwhelming. A flexible work environment can make a big difference… Read more

Jumping right back to full-time hours or a heavy workload may feel overwhelming. A flexible work environment can make a big difference, especially if fatigue lingers.

Ask your employer about making adjustments to your schedule or workload, such as reducing your hours or adjusting deadlines.

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Tip #3

Use Your FMLA Options

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. It can be used… Read more

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. It can be used intermittently so you could take a few hours or days as needed, rather than one continuous block. This could be beneficial for appointments or flare-ups.

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Tip #4

Ask About Accommodations

Talk openly with your employer about the accommodations that could help you perform your job. Accommodations may include working from home… Read more

Talk openly with your employer about the accommodations that could help you perform your job. Accommodations may include working from home, restructuring a job, modifying equipment, or switching to part-time hours. If you're experiencing disruptive side effects, make sure to take those into account.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities. Cancer can qualify as a disability under the ADA even in remission.

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Tip #5

Lean on Cancer-Specific Career Resources

Organizations like the Job Accommodation Network and Triage Cancer specialize in exactly this transition. They offer webinars, tips, guides, and… Read more

Organizations like the Job Accommodation Network and Triage Cancer specialize in exactly this transition. They offer webinars, tips, guides, and other resources that could help. Ask your care team if they know of any additional resources.

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Tip #6

Talk to Your Care Team About the Transition

Some people find the transition to full-time work easy. Others may find that they tire more easily or have difficulty focusing. Give yourself… Read more

Some people find the transition to full-time work easy. Others may find that they tire more easily or have difficulty focusing. Give yourself permission to adjust your pace as needed.

Talk with your care team about how work is going. They can help you find the right pace as you re-enter the workforce.

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Now it's your turn

What Helped You Return to Work?

We'd love to hear what helped you navigate going back to work after breast cancer treatment. Share your experience below.

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