Working with Cancer Initiative

A lung cancer diagnosis often carries with it stigma created by assumptions about the cause that can make it especially difficult for individuals to talk about it in the workplace. Aside from smoking, other risk factors for lung cancer include exposure to a range of organic metals, as well as radon gas, which is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and is often found in indoor spaces. With World Lung Cancer Day coming up, companies are in a position to foster supportive dialogue through education of lesser-known causes of lung-cancer. These efforts can have a ripple effect, creating empathy and support for impacted colleagues without assuming smoking played a role. Has a lung cancer diagnosis impacted you in the workplace? We want to hear your story, be it one of supportive coworkers or overcoming the stigma. Use the following link. https://lnkd.in/eAFE5Bxy #workingwithcancerinitiative #workingwithcancer #cancercommunity #takethepledge

A cancer diagnosis often brings with it profound change. But according to Jackie D., a marketing director at AbbVie (a founding member of Working With Cancer), some of that change can be surprisingly positive. "Surviving cancer twice over the last 16 years has given me strength, perspective and gratitude. Strength to know and understand I am resilient and can come through the other side of difficult situations. Perspective knowing life is precious and the gift of time with my loved ones is the most important thing in the world to me. And gratitude to have the platform at AbbVie to advocate for other patients and caregivers who are going or have gone through similar health struggles.” #workingwithcancerinitiative #workingwithcancer #cancercommunity #takethepledge

At turns inspiring and revealing, Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun’s keynote address at the Beauty of Giving Luncheon tied his own personal experience working with cancer to the larger goal of supporting others.   “It was exactly two years ago that I was finishing surgery to remove my tumor… Today, I feel stronger than ever,” said Sadoun, who was honored for launching the Working with Cancer Initiative and our efforts to build a recovery-forward work environment for those with cancer. “This is just the beginning.”  The luncheon was held June 13 in New York and benefited the non-profit organization Cancer and Careers, which provides assistance to employees and job seekers with cancer. It also featured a moving talk by Anica Malabanan of Publicis Media. “I want everyone facing a cancer diagnosis to know what it feels like to have the level of support that I’ve had from my family and my work,” she said. Over 1,700 companies have joined the WWC Pledge to help employees with cancer. For more info, visit https://lnkd.in/gH9xcbVs. Source: Women’s Wear Daily  Photo Credit: Steven Lovekin/Shutterstock for CEW Foundation

With National Cancer Survivors Month drawing to a close, we’re taking a closer look at the myth that people aren’t understanding of their colleagues with cancer. From concerns about increased workloads to a lack of comfort talking about medical conditions, there are many reasons to think this myth is reality. Thankfully, 70% of employees working with cancer said their colleagues understand the challenges they face, according to a Harris Poll commissioned by Cancer and Careers. This support can be an important source of strength, especially while transitioning back to work or actively undergoing treatments. Companies can further bolster their support systems with formal training for supervisors and managers. Better insights into the challenges present across all phases of survivorship can help thrivers be at their best in the workplace and beyond. How have your colleagues supported you along your cancer journey? Share your stories of support in the comments. #workingwithcancerinitiative #workingwithcancer #cancercommunity #takethepledge 

Imagine not only working with cancer, but having your career be the catalyst for a new passion. This was Lynn’s experience. Through two bouts of breast cancer, she continued advancing while using her platform to advocate on behalf of others. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 5, 2019. I made it my mission to continue working through my lumpectomy and 16 rounds of radiation; I completed treatment that fall with a clean bill of health. During this time, my career continued to grow. I also wanted to use my voice to raise awareness of early detection. In October of 2019, we hosted our first Women in Digital virtual event to share stories of working in this industry. And two years later, I was appointed as a National Board Member for Pink Ribbon Good, which provides meals, rides to treatment, and peer counseling. Life was good! But in July of 2021, I felt a lump, and a biopsy confirmed that I had a new occurrence of breast cancer. This time, it was a much more aggressive form. I embarked on my treatment plan: 5 months of chemo followed by a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Once again, I continued to work. For me, working with cancer was a way to feel normal during my treatment. I’ve been open about my journey in the hopes that I inspired someone else battling cancer to keep going!” #workingwithcancerinitiative #workingwithcancer #cancercommunity #takethepledge

A cancer diagnosis and a fresh career start can not only coexist, but may actually be a strength-inducing combo. That’s what Savannah discovered after facing the dual challenges of an unexpected diagnosis and job loss in the same week. Here’s how she found strength in authenticity and adaptability: “I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at age 33. In what I now lovingly refer to as ‘the worst week ever,’ I was also laid off from my corporate marketing job. Being out of work while navigating cancer treatment added chaos and uncertainty to an already stressful time. I was terrified that no one would hire me because of my late- stage diagnosis and medical requirements. Eventually, I landed an interview with a company I really wanted to work for. I decided that my best option was to show up as the current version of myself: bald, swollen, and vulnerable about my medical needs. Fast-forward almost three years, and that was the best decision I could have made. Not only was I hired as the authentic version of myself; I was also able to rebuild into a better version of myself. I have received nothing but support throughout my cancer journey and the inordinate amount of doctor’s appointments, surgeries, and considerations I require. I’ve been provided resources that have allowed me to take a more active role in my treatment and find a freedom I didn’t think was possible. Having cancer doesn't make you weak. I am stronger, more adaptable, and show up with a renewed passion at work because of my experience with cancer.” Note: This story has been edited for length and clarity. #workingwithcancerinitiative #workingwithcancer #cancercommunity #takethepledge

We’ve emphasized the support companies can provide throughout our discussion of the phases of cancer survivorship for National Cancer Survivors Month. And that support is no less important as we delve into the third and final phase, called the thriver phase. The thriver phase most often encompasses people who are cancer-free and are establishing a routine that doesn’t involve regular check-ins with medical professionals. But even thrivers must continue drawing on their strength and resilience to manage the long-term effects of treatments, all while maintaining their overall health and well-being. Employers can provide flexibility and understanding to help ease thrivers’ transition from a schedule filled with regular medical consultations to one that centers on work-life balance. Do you have a story of workplace support during your journey as a thriver? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below. Sources: Cleveland Clinic, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper    #workingwithcancerinitiative #workingwithcancer #cancercommunity #takethepledge

As National Cancer Survivor Month continues, we wanted to tackle a common misconception around whether adults living with cancer want to work. According to a 2023 Harris Poll commissioned by Cancer and Careers, many such adults find working beneficial—and not just because of the insurance coverage and financial security. Routine and purpose during an uncertain time are just some of the reasons many adults want to work post-diagnosis. In fact, 75% of Harris Poll respondents said work helps them cope. As employees navigate the phases of survivorship and seek to return to work or to continue working, companies have an opportunity to check in regularly on their evolving needs to provide the right support at the right time. #workingwithcancerinitiative #workingwithcancer #cancercommunity #takethepledge 

Everyone impacted by cancer has a story to tell. This National Cancer Survivor Month, we'd like to hear yours. Has your workplace provided you with the strength and support to get past the stigma of cancer? Has your workplace provided you with the strength and support to get past the stigma of cancer? Has that support helped you grow in new ways? If so, we invite you to share your experience ⤵ https://lnkd.in/eAFE5Bxy #workingwithcancerinitiative #workingwithcancer #cancercommunity #takethepledge

In honor of National Cancer Survivor Month, we continue our focus on the phases of survivorship. The second phase, called the survivor phase, encompasses a shift in the type of medical care people receive, which includes things like managing long-term effects and regular check-ups. Following treatment, the transition to survivor often presents unique challenges, including in the workplace. Many people hope to return or continue working but may not know what impact their “new normal” will have on their job. Companies can play a vital role by instilling confidence in workplace support and fostering open dialogue to reduce stigma associated with cancer and work life. Have you returned to work while living with cancer? How were you able to find purpose and fulfillment in your post-treatment work life? Share your stories in the comments.