We need more support systems for people who want to work during and after cancer treatment

We need more support systems for people who want to work during and after cancer treatment PC4 member Bogda Koczwara writes for The Conversation about how in Australia, there is no system to support people returning to work after cancer treatment – or to provide advice to their doctors or employers on how to help them. Cancer patients are at greater risk of unemployment than the general population. That risk is higher for those with few work skills, blue collar workers who are already more financially vulnerable and those who live in areas of limited employment opportunities. The ability to work after cancer treatment is further impacted by the economic environment and job market. Some countries like the Netherlands and Germany consider rehabilitation after cancer, including work rehabilitation, part of the standard management of cancer patients. But this approach is not currently adopted in Australia. The Conversation, 14/11/2016