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Survivors Cancer’s impact on work and strategies

Cancer’s impact on work and strategies

Dr. Christine Maheu, RN, PhD

Dr. Christine Maheu is an Associate Professor in the Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University. Dr. Maheu is also an Affiliate Scientist at the University Health Network and the University of Toronto. At McGill University, she teaches research methods, supervises graduate students (masters, doctoral, post-doctoral), mentors practicing nurses and students in research, and conducts research in English and French. She has held research awards with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. These awards funded her research in psychosocial oncology, which focuses on developing and testing psychosocial interventions or measurements tools for various cancer populations. Additionally, in partnership with Ipsos Canada and funded by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, she is co-leading a nationwide survey of the needs of cancer patients for transition care from the end of their treatment to three years after their diagnosis. Dr. Maheu received awards for excellence in nursing research (2013, 2015, 2016) from Ovarian Cancer Canada, the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology, and the Quebec Association of Nurses in Oncology.

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Ms. Rosemary Cashman

Ms. Rosemary Cashman is a nurse practitioner at the BC Cancer Agency and an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of British Columbia. Her professional experience includes the care of lymphoma, lung cancer and brain cancer patients. She co-chairs the Patient and Family Advisory Council, which guides the brain tumour care program at the BC Cancer Agency. She has authored book chapters and articles related to the care of brain tumour patients and their families. Ms. Cashman was involved in developing and implementing a rapid-access radiotherapy clinic for the palliative treatment of lung cancer and she continues to work in this clinic.

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Kyla Johnson, Occupational Therapist, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital

Ms. Kyla Johnson, M.Sc.A., originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Kyla Johnson works as an Occupational Therapist at the Segal Cancer Center of the Jewish General Hospital. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from McGill University. Her goal as a rehabilitation professional in Oncology is to enable people with cancer to be able to do what they want and need to do, in all stages of their cancer experience. Kyla helps develop strategies and accommodations to facilitate a return to meaningful life roles, including work. She is specialized in cancer-related cognitive dysfunction and runs a weekly group teaching strategies to improve daily cognitive functioning. Kyla also leads a volunteer yoga class for young adults with cancer. She lives in Montreal, Quebec.

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Ms. Maureen Parkinson, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor, M.Ed. C.C.R.C, BC Cancer

Ms. Maureen Parkinson is the province-wide vocational rehabilitation counsellor at the BC Cancer Agency. She has also been vocational rehabilitation counsellor at a public rehabilitation hospital and vocational rehabilitation consultant to insurance companies and the court system. She has instructed and facilitated Service-Canada-funded programs on job searching and career exploration. Ms. Parkinson has a Masters in Counselling Psychology, is a Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counsellor, and completed the Certified Return to Work Coordinator Program through the National Institute for Disability Management and Research. She has developed return-to-work and job-search seminars for cancer patients and created the guidebook “Cancer and Returning to Work: A Practical Guide for Cancer Patients” as well as on-line articles about returning to work and school. She also co-authored a paper commissioned by the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, “Cancer and Work: A Canadian Perspective”.

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Home / Survivors / Cancer’s impact on work and strategies

Cancer’s impact on work and strategies

Cancer and its treatment can affect each person differently. Explore how common symptoms may influence your ability to work – and discover practical ways to manage their impact and adapt your job environment.

How symptoms can impact work

Side effects of cancer and its treatments can vary depending on your diagnosis and care plan.
They may affect your energy, concentration, mood, or physical abilities — influencing how and when you can work.


What you can do

Understanding your symptoms can help you take proactive steps to manage them.
You can track changes, talk with your healthcare team, and explore self-care or workplace adjustments to reduce their impact.

Job accommodation ideas

Many symptoms can be eased through small but meaningful adjustments. Examples include flexible scheduling, task rotation, ergonomic tools, or rest breaks. Not every accommodation suits all jobs — consider consulting a rehabilitation professional for tailored suggestions.

Physical symptoms

This section presents some of the main physical side effects that can be caused by your cancer and cancer treatments.

You do not
know where
to start?

Learn about fatigue first.

Fatigue

Sleep disturbances

Peripheral neuropathy

Lymphedema

Hot flashes

Breathing difficulties

Nausea and vomiting

Nutrition and eating

Infections

Bleeding problems

Changes in skin and nails

Changes in bowel and bladder function

Visual impairment

Hearing impairment

Impaired communication abilities

Mobility impairment

Changes in physical appearance

Seizures

Cognitive symptoms

Read the article

Cognitive challenges

Emotional and psychological symptoms

Changes in mood

Stress and anxiety

Other helpful resources and links

Pathways for Success: A Guide for Educators, Counsellors and Families for survivors of childhood cancer (Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario)

Macmillan Cancer Support: Side Effects and Symptoms

Canadian Cancer Society: Managing side effects