Older cancer survivors, those between 55 and 65 years old, who remain cancer-free for two to six years after a diagnosis, are as likely to be working as their colleagues who have not had cancer, according to a new study published in the Health Service Research Journal.However, people who have received a recent diagnosis of cancer are less likely to be working.
According to the lead author, Pamela Farley Short of Pennsylvania State University, "It's mostly good news. Once you get through the treatment, then, generally speaking, you can look forward to being productive and expect that your career will not be affected." In addition, Short adds that, for employers, "there is every reason to believe that survivors will continue to be productive workers and will stick with their employer."
Jimmie Holland, M.D., a psychiatrist at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, commented on the results, "It looks as if the stigma of having cancer has been diminished and workers will be allowed to work if they're physically able. It's a win-win situation."
1. I agree it is getting better and we all need to move toward that so we can support each other. A few years ago I was "let go" by a company due my cancer although I was only working part time during my Chemo and my ability had not changed. A Law needs to be in effect to protect a working Cancer person. No matter how much I fought to keep my job, they still found a "technical" issue to push me out. It was davastating to me. I lost all my Benefits and no one came forward to even help. I was made fun of by the CEO and Manager's of that company who threw in my face that "his company's insurance went up too much." It is hard for me to now to think forward of going back to work due what I went through. I was sick from how I was treated by these ruthless people. Your words are positive and I appreciate hearing them but as in everything, sorting through all thoes unfeeling out there is hard! What Law protects us while we are ill?
Sincerely, Glenda
Posted at 12:30PM on Jul 16th 2007 by glenda whittington