Returning to work

When treatment has finished, you may be keen for life to start getting back to normal. Returning to work after a breast cancer diagnosis can be a very positive step and may help some people move forward by regaining some normality.

Whether you took time off or reduced your working hours during your breast cancer treatment, returning to your normal work pattern can be difficult for a number of reasons.

Many women are surprised and disappointed to find that this isn’t very easy and may feel quite frustrated.

When and whether you decide to return to work will depend to some extent on what your job involves and your financial situation. 

If your job involves manual work or is mentally stressful, you may need a longer period of time before you feel ready to return.

You may wish to discuss returning to work with your doctor, occupational health or human resources departments and manager.