Why it matters
Cancer affects far more than health.
It has a significant impact on work, participation and financial security. Yet workplace systems are often not designed for this reality — and this gap leaves many navigating work and cancer on their own.
What the research shows
The impact is significant — and often hidden.
Cancer treatment and recovery can be prolonged and unpredictable, with fluctuating capacity rather than a steady return to normal. Many people want to continue working — but with limited guidance or support.
“I don’t know what my capacity is — physically and cognitively. I am a different person now.”
Work provides more than income. It offers stability, dignity, identity, routine and social connection during a time of significant disruption — yet workplace systems are often not designed for this reality.
“Cancer didn’t just pause my career. It abruptly ended it. I lost my confidence, my professional identity, and my connection to work.” Person navigating cancer and work
“Managers want to do the right thing — however without guidelines or policies, it is tough.” Manager
What is manageable one week may not be the next. Work environments, job demands and financial pressures all play a role — and workplace culture matters.
Research summary · cancer and work
The right support makes a real difference
When people are supported, when workplaces respond well — outcomes change.
For the person
With the right support, the person with cancer can:
- Stay connected to work in a way that is manageable
- Make informed decisions about their work and future
- Communicate more confidently with their workplace
- Maintain confidence and control
For workplaces
When workplaces respond well, they can:
- Retain experienced and valued employees
- Reduce unplanned absence and avoidable workforce exit
- Maintain team stability
- Strengthen trust, engagement and workplace culture
- Support managers to lead with clarity and confidence
- Reduce risk
Why this matters to us
There is a clear gap between what people need and what is available.
The interests of employers and employees in relation to return to work are interrelated. Both have a responsibility and a role to play — and both need support. 3
Our purpose is to bridge that gap. By providing practical support to people affected by cancer and their carers, and helping workplaces respond with clarity and confidence.
Because cancer should not cost anyone their work, their confidence, or their future.
The interests of employers and employees in relation to return to work are interrelated. Both have a responsibility and a role to play, and both need support.
Tiedtke et al. 2017 4
References
- Bates N. et al. Labour force participation and the cost of lost productivity due to cancer in Australia. 2018. doi: 10.1186/s12889-018-5297-9
- Thandrayen J. et al. Workforce participation in relation to cancer diagnosis, type and stage: Australian population-based study of 165,506 middle-aged people. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 2022. doi: 10.1007/s11764-021-01042-7
- Meehan D. et al. (pending peer review) Out-of-pocket costs associated with cancer care in Australia: a mixed methods analysis.
- Tiedtke C. M. et al. Employers’ experience of employees with cancer: trajectories of complex communication. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 2017. researchgate.net
Alignment with the Australian Cancer Plan
LiveWorkCancer aligns closely with the Australian Cancer Plan — Strategic Objective 2: Enhanced Consumer Experience. This objective focuses on ensuring people affected by cancer are partners in responsive, person centred care, with access to support that improves quality of life, participation, and outcomes across the cancer continuum.
By addressing work, income, and participation during and after cancer, LiveWorkCancer contributes to this objective through practical, lived experience informed support that complements clinical care and strengthens consumer experience.
Read the Australian Cancer PlanGet in touch