Cancer Survivors’ Work and Financial Concerns

Cancer survivors may struggle to pay for medical care and are more likely to declare bankruptcy than people without a cancer history. They also face work-related concerns because of their cancer experience. Although many survivors return to work, about one-third cannot work at all or have less ability to work due to late and long-term effects of cancer, including mental and physical health problems.

Ways to Address Work and Financial Concerns

To help address financial problems and make the return to work easier, you can learn more about—

• Changes in health care in the United States and options for affordable health insurance.
• Ways your employer may be able to help, like a non-traditional work schedule, employee assistance programs, and options for employees to donate unused paid time off to sick coworkers.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act and short-term disability leave.