Need answers? 1·800·227·2345 | Home | Community | Get Involved | Donate | | Site Index | Search Go Button
The mark, American Cancer Society, is a registered trademark of the American Cancer Society, Inc., and may not be copied, reproduced, transmitted, displayed, performed, distributed, sublicensed, altered, stored for subsequent use or otherwise used in whole or in part in any manner without ACS's prior written consent.
 
My Planner Register | Sign In Sign In


Treatment Topics & Resources
 
    Supporting Cancer Patients
Financial and Legal Matters
Staying Active During Treatment
Physical Changes & Appearance
    Symptoms and Side Effects
    Nutrition for Cancer Patients
    Guide to Cancer Drugs
Glossary
   
When Someone You Work With Has Cancer

Finding out that someone you work with has cancer can be difficult. You may have many questions, both about cancer itself and about how you should talk and act around this person. You may wonder how your work situation will be affected by their diagnosis and treatment. Supervisors may wonder what they can do to best help the person while still getting the work done.

If you are very close to the person who has cancer, this can be a frightening and stressful time for you, too. Here, we will try to answer some of your questions about cancer and the workplace. We also offer some suggestions about how you can show your concern and offer your help to someone with cancer.

General Questions and Answers
Cancer develops when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control.
What To Expect
There are some common physical changes shared by many cancer patients.
Ways To Respond
It is normal to feel that you don't know what to say to someone who has cancer.
Offering Support
Remember that your co-worker may find it hard to ask for help, or to appear vulnerable.
What Supervisors Can Do
Your employees will follow your lead, so it's important to learn the facts and be available to answer questions and concerns that other employees may have.
Additional Resources
Find more information on cancer in the workplace.
References


Also in this area
Fatigue  
When Someone You Work With Has Cancer  
Related Tools & Topics
Learn About Cancer  
Making Treatment Decisions  
Circle Of Sharing: Personalize Your Cancer Information  
Not registered yet?
  Register now or see reasons to register.  
Help |  About ACS |  Employment & Volunteer Opportunities |  Legal & Privacy Information |  Press Room
Copyright 2010 © American Cancer Society, Inc.
All content and works posted on this website are owned and
copyrighted by the American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved.