Get involved and help Queenslanders living with cancer by volunteering. Volunteers are the heart of our organisation. Join us to make a greater impact and connect with like-minded people.
Every contribution helps support those living with cancer. Whether a one-off donation or monthly gift, your support ensures funding stability for long-term goals and future generations.
Leave a legacy by including a gift in your Will, starting a tribute page for a loved one, or funding a research grant for early-career cancer researchers driving clinical innovations.
Organise a fundraising event in your community, either as a team or an individual. You can join one of our existing fundraising events or you might like to come up with your own way.
When organisations work together, we can have a greater impact for every Queenslander going through cancer and help amplify our message for all Australians.
However you get involved, you’re making a direct impact on the lives of Queenslanders affected by cancer. See the results of what we’ve all achieved.
Returning to work after cancer can be a significant milestone in your recovery. It can be a big step, and you may feel uncertain about how you’ll manage this transition, but you’re not alone. We’re here to support you in making the right choice for your health and wellbeing.
Our team is here to listen and support you.
Work provides more than just financial stability – it often shapes our identity, fuels our purpose, and structures our daily lives. This makes work-related decisions particularly challenging when you’re dealing with cancer, as your circumstances can shift rapidly.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or recovering, your work situation may need careful consideration as part of your healthcare plan. You might wonder about managing your role, handling workplace relationships, discussing your condition with employers, and maintaining your financial security.
Returning to work with stage 4 cancer brings its own set of considerations. With your specialist’s support, and if you feel able, working can offer valuable social connections and a sense of purpose.
Every person’s situation is different, and you may be influenced by factors like your symptoms, treatment schedules, workplace flexibility, financial requirements and overall health. You might need to continue working, take time away, explore new opportunities, or consider retirement – all are valid choices based on your individual circumstances.
We understand that these questions and thoughts can create some anxiety, and that life may change rapidly but try not to rush and take time to think about these things so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
It may help to chat with friends, family, or your healthcare team during this process, and you can always call the Cancer Council Queensland team on 13 11 20 for additional support and guidance.
Returning to work after cancer can be a positive step in your recovery journey, helping restore a sense of self and normality. This process will look different for everyone, depending on their situation and needs.
Feeling nervous about how your employer and colleagues may react and your ability to manage your current role is entirely normal because your life has most likely changed a lot. Whether you’d prefer to ease back gradually or feel ready to return to your regular role immediately, discussing your capabilities with your healthcare team can be helpful. They will assist you in planning what’s best for your current circumstances. Your specialist may also suggest consulting with an occupational therapist to help guide these decisions further.
When it comes to your employer, you may feel anxious about discussing your health situation, but in many cases, your employer will want to help. Your employer is also legally obligated to support your return to work by making reasonable adjustments. These might include returning in stages and flexible hours so you can attend medical appointments or modify work equipment.
They can request a fit-for-work assessment – but they cannot access your medical records.
If you need additional support, the free government-run Work Assist program is designed to help people maintain employment while managing their health conditions. You can call them at 1800 462 800 or visit the Job Access website for more information.
Tip: Don’t forget to check your life or income protection policies, which may include rehabilitation support to help you transition back to work.
If you’re returning to work after cancer treatment or recovery and are ready to re-enter the workforce, contacting your employer to discuss and create a written return-to-work plan is a great idea.
With your employer and specialist, you can plan a clear path forward that supports your wellbeing as you return to your duties. Your personalised plan can include details about your current abilities, scheduled medical appointments, workplace adjustments, specific recommendations from your healthcare team, and long-term goals. It’s also helpful to set regular check-in dates to ensure everything is going well for you and to make adjustments with your employer if needed.
Many people feel some anxiety about returning to work and having a plan like this can help you step back into the workforce in a way that helps you to feel supported.
Cancer can make you rethink your career goals and work values. Some people won’t return to the same job because of changes in ability or length of time away. Others decide a new job is an opportunity for a fresh start, or that they want a less stressful or more meaningful job.
Returning to work after cancer might lead you in a new direction by choice or circumstance, which can be both exciting and daunting. Preparing ahead by asking yourself some essential questions can help you make more aligned choices for your health and wellbeing.
Key things to think about:
When applying for new roles, you may wonder about whether to tell your new employer about your cancer experience. You are not legally required to disclose this information to your employer unless it affects your ability to perform any essential aspects of the job or any health and safety risks to you or others, but you may find that knowing your situation can give your prospective employer a chance to support you in a more meaningful way.
Employers may notice gaps in your CV if you took time away during treatment. While breaks from work are common for many reasons, you can choose whether to discuss your cancer experience.
If you need assistance or guidance in your job search, the team at Cancer Council Queensland can help. We can help you connect with a career counsellor or recruitment professional, ensuring you feel confident, happy, and supported as you take these next steps. Call us on 13 11 20.
Securing an interview is exciting. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your experience and skills. Here are some key tips for entering an interview with confidence:
Being open and honest with your prospective employer is often a good idea. This makes it easier for you and your employer to adjust your work to meet your current health needs, and you’ll feel more at ease from the beginning. But it’s up to you to disclose what you’re comfortable.
If returning to work after cancer isn’t possible or the right path for you, don’t worry, as there are still many ways you can find financial stability and independence.
You may be eligible to receive:
You might want to consider retraining through a rehabilitation program, or perhaps early retirement due to cancer could be the best option for you. It’s essential to remember that you have various options and support resources available. Our Cancer Council Queensland team is always here to help you, so do not hesitate to call us at 13 11 20 to discuss your options.
Returning to work after cancer can be challenging. Knowing your options and how to start this process can often leave people feeling a bit lost and unsure about the best way to move forward. Cancer Council Queensland offers practical and emotional support to help guide you through this transition.
Returning to work after cancer treatment is a personal journey, as everyone responds differently to treatment. If you are well enough, you may choose to return to work soon after your treatment.
However, taking a few days to rest and assess how you feel after treatment is a good idea. If the side effects prevent you from working, your doctor may be able to adjust your treatment or prescribe medication to help you feel better. Your immune system may also weaken after chemotherapy, making you more vulnerable to contracting illnesses. Therefore, working in a busy office might not be advisable.
We recommend discussing your post-treatment return-to-work plan with your healthcare team to prepare you and your employer. This plan can include flexible work arrangements to help ease the pressure and allow you to rest and recuperate.
Returning to work after radiotherapy largely depends on the type of treatment you receive. If you are treated with internal radiotherapy, you may need to have an isolation period. For external therapy, isolation is generally not required. Your specialist will give you all the information you need for recovery after treatment but always ask if you are unsure.
Radiotherapy can cause side effects. The severity of these effects will vary depending on the dose, the part of the body being treated, and your overall health. It is recommended that you rest for a few days after treatment; however, you can assess this along the way.
Planning with your employer for flexibility at work in case you feel unwell after treatment is a good idea. Although work is important, your health should be a priority when receiving cancer treatment, so you need to ensure that you give yourself the time your body needs to recover.
Yes, early retirement due to cancer is possible. You may access your superannuation early and tax-free if you have a terminal illness or are facing ‘special health-related’ circumstances.
Early retirement may be the only option for some, but for others, it is simply a choice. Retirement can cause mixed feelings, as it brings about a significant lifestyle change—from finances to relationships. Therefore, if this is your chosen path, you may need to give yourself time to adjust, or it may be an easy transition—everyone is different.
