Women’s Stress After Cancer Treatment: A Growing Concern
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The Growing need for Support
As cancer survival rates improve, an increasing number of individuals are facing the complex transition of returning to work after treatment. In Ireland alone, over 200,000 people are currently living with or have been treated for cancer, and one in seven women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in thier lifetime, according to the Irish Cancer Society. This rising number highlights the critical need for resources and understanding to support these individuals.
The Emotional and Physical Realities of Return
Returning to work is frequently enough viewed as a critically important milestone in recovery, a symbol of regaining normalcy after a life-altering experience. Though,the reality is frequently enough far more nuanced. Manny survivors, like Marcella McDonnell, diagnosed in July 2023, find the transition unexpectedly arduous. McDonnell, who underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, initially planned to return to work in September 2024, but realized she wasn’t prepared, both mentally and physically.
“Things got a bit tough, I had to seek out some supports for myself,” McDonnell shared, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing the emotional toll of returning to work post-cancer. She accessed counselling and support through the Irish Cancer society.
CanWork: A Dedicated Support Program
The CanWork research team at Trinity College Dublin is actively working to address these challenges. Led by Professor Deirdre Connolly, an occupational therapist, the program provides tailored support to breast cancer survivors navigating the return-to-work process. Professor Connolly notes that many women mistakenly beleive that completing treatment signifies a complete return to their pre-cancer lives.
“A lot of women feel ‘I’ve finished cancer, it’s over, I can get back into doing all the things I was doing before,'” Professor Connolly explained. “They really look at work as being a major milestone in that recovery from cancer.”
CanWork offers a six-week program designed to equip survivors with the tools and strategies needed to successfully reintegrate into the workplace. The program focuses on addressing both practical and emotional needs.
common Challenges Faced by Returning Survivors
Research consistently reveals that breast cancer survivors frequently enough encounter a range of difficulties when returning to work. These include:
- Unfair Expectations: Survivors may feel pressured to promptly resume their previous workload and responsibilities, without adequate consideration for their ongoing physical and emotional needs.
- Increased Stress: Concerns about job security, performance, and potential discrimination can contribute to heightened stress levels.
- Discrimination: Unluckily, some survivors experience bias or negative attitudes from employers or colleagues. A report by the U.S. Equal Employment Chance Commission details legal protections