Time off work with cancer research summary: Cancer is a devastating illness, and workers suffering from it need time off to seek treatment and recover. While the amount of time off varies based on the type and severity of the cancer, there are averages we can follow.
So, if you’re battling cancer and want to know what you can expect, or an employer with an ill employee, keep reading. We’ve investigated the average time off work with cancer, and according to our research:
Key Takeaways:
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The average time off work for workers with cancer is 6 months.
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Nationwide, workers with cancer are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per 12-month time period through the FMLA.
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FMLA leave protects workers from losing their jobs while on leave.
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74% of cancer patients and survivors have missed work due to their illness.
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Only 54% of working-age cancer survivors work full-time.
Impact of cancer on employment
Cancer has a massive impact on employment, preventing workers from working. Approximately 45% of patients with cancer are between 20-64, or the average working age range in the US. Inevitably, nearly half of patients will have an impact on the workplace.
For example, cancer survivors are just over 2x more likely not to return to work after taking leave when compared to healthy workers. Overall, only 54% of all survivors work full-time post-diagnosis.
To learn more about the employment impacts, here are some rates of returning to work for common cancers post-diagnosis:
Share of workers returning to work by type of cancer
| Type of cancer | Less than 1 year after diagnosis | 1+ years after diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| Breast cancer | 81% | 70% |
| Colorectal cancer | 83% | 55% |
| Prostate cancer | 80% | N/A |
Interestingly, employment trends seem to show that cancer patients are less likely to work over a year after their diagnosis. Whether this is because of progressing symptoms or the impacts of survival is unclear, though it’s likely the result of both.
Impact of cancer on workers
Cancer has a significant impact on people, both physically and emotionally. This impact takes a toll on someone’s ability to work, with 74% of cancer patients and survivors missing work due to their illness. 69% of those individuals also report missing four weeks of work or more.
One of the things these patients and survivors struggle with the most is maintaining an income and keeping their jobs. A third of workers who took time off for their illness didn’t receive any payment for at least a portion of that time. Additionally, 13% either lost their jobs or chose to resign.
In total, 43% of workers say the financial impact of their time off work was somewhat or very challenging.
Time off work with cancer FAQ
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Should I take time off work if I have cancer?
Yes, you should always take time off work when you have important appointments and treatments. However, whether or not you take time off otherwise is up to you. If you feel burnt out or are in pain, consider taking extra time off to rest and recover.
However, if you find that work is a valuable outlet for you that reduces stress, gives you purpose, or takes your mind off your illness, you should speak with your boss about making accommodations.
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How long is a leave of absence for cancer?
The FMLA allows for a leave of absence of 12 unpaid work weeks per year. According to the FMLA, workers are entitled to take this leave of absence without the threat of losing their jobs.
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Can you be fired for missing work due to cancer?
No, you cannot legally be fired for missing work due to cancer. An employer doing so would fall under discrimination based on genetic information relating to diseases. However, many workers end up quietly leaving their positions due to the limitations of the disease or being unable to meet employer obligations in the long term.
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Am I obligated to tell my employer I have cancer?
No, you are not obligated to tell your employer you have cancer. You are protected under the law if you choose not to inform your employer that you have cancer. However, to receive significant FMLA benefits, your employer will need to be informed. They can’t approve a 12-week absence if they’re unaware of why you need it.
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How long after treatment can I return to work?
You can return to work whenever you’re ready to. Many cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, can take a considerable toll on a person’s body. While you should never feel pressured to return to work, you can legally return whenever you want.
Conclusion
Cancer has a profound emotional, physical, and financial effect on workers and their families. The average time someone needs to take off work with cancer will vary based on the type of cancer, treatment, and the type of job they work.
Despite costs, employers must work to foster a more caring and accommodating environment for workers with cancer. This way, these workers can focus on recovery without stress and financial pressure. When work environments are positive and supportive, many workers will want to continue working when they can.
References
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PMC – Work absence after breast cancer diagnosis: a population-based study
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U.S. Department of Labor – Workplace Protections for Individuals Impacted by Cancer
Author
Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.
