Workplace/Workforce Committee
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Why? Cancer survival frequently has long-term effects on employment and the ability to work.

By improving clinical and support services in the workplace to better manage symptoms and rehabilitation and accommodate disabilities associated with the disease, we can increase the numbers of cancer survivors who successfully return to work. The dynamics in the workplace—just as in the routine of living—change dramatically for a cancer survivor. Inability to work regular hours can affect finances and health insurance. Social connections may be lost. Professional selfrespect, self-esteem and satisfaction can suffer. For the employer, productivity may be affected. If there are physical limitations, the employer may alter job assignments, which can enhance employer/employee relations.

ARE SOME OF US MORE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THIS THAN OTHERS?

  • Based on trends reported by the American Cancer Society in 2005:
  • More women than men who were working at diagnosis reported limitations in the ability to work.
  • Disability and quitting rates for both men and women were higher for survivors who were still in initial treatment for active cancer.
  • New cancers or metastases increased the likelihood of quitting work and disability among men—but not as much among women.
  • Survivors 45–52 years of age at follow-up were more likely to report cancerrelated disabilities than younger survivors—even though they are not more likely to quit working.

WHAT CAN BE DONE

  • Promote cancer screening, prevention and treatment with employers to keep their employees from having cancer affect their livelihood.
  • Inform those who have cancer and are working about the support programs available to them.
  • Offer to send speakers to inform employers of the cancer resources available to them through the Delaware Cancer Consortium.
  • Train and educate employers on how they can help those with cancer in their working environments.
  • Partner with insurance companies to get more people screened and enrolled in risk reduction programs.
Click each goal to read about the objectives, tasks and timeframes.
Goal 1: Promote existing cancer prevention, screening and treatment programs to Delaware employers.
Goal 2: Implement workplace/workforce initiatives and provide individual trainings and resources to employers.
Goal 3: Partner with insurance companies to increase the number of employees accessing cancer screening and risk reduction programs.
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