Fatigue
Managing Cancer Treatment-Related Fatigue in the Workplace Setting

Cancer treatment-related fatigue may interfere with your ability to perform your workplace duties. Talking with your employer and your co-workers about your fatigue may dispel their uncertainty or uneasiness regarding your lack of energy since starting your cancer treatment. The more they know and understand about cancer treatment-related fatigue, the better they can support you in your workplace setting.

1. Cancer treatment-related fatigue is the most common and longest lasting side effect associated with cancer treatment. Discuss with your employer or supervisor that, to the best of your ability, you would like to remain a productive worker while you are taking your cancer treatment. Be realistic with yourself and your employer about your work goals during this time. Reassess and reprioritize those goals as needed.



2. Cancer treatment-related fatigue can sometimes affect a person's moods, emotions, and the ability to concentrate or make decisions. Discuss with your employer or supervisor possible ways to make adjustments in your workplace responsibilities in order to minimize the impact of cancer treatment-related fatigue on your ability to do your job effectively:



• Consider flexible scheduling to take advantage of peak energy times



• Request a change or modification in your current job responsibility



• Learn a new job skill that might be less physically or mentally demanding



3. Lack of communication between you, your employer, and your co-workers regarding your treatment-related fatigue can often lead to confusion, mistrust, and anxiety. Make an effort to keep an open dialogue with your employer and co-workers about how you are feeling during your cancer treatment. Avoid the trap of not asking for help, if and when you need it.



4. Decide what changes you can make while you are at work to manage your cancer treatment-related fatigue - set realistic work priorities on a daily basis, adjust your work routines as necessary, eat properly throughout the day to maintain your energy, drink plenty of fluids, and take rest periods. Exercise routinely to maintain stamina and maintain medication schedules as ordered by your doctor.



5. Evaluate whether your health benefit plan provides for supportive care referrals that can assist you in managing your cancer treatment-related fatigue. Supportive care referrals might include a nutritionist, physical or occupational therapist, exercise physiologist, or mental health or complementary therapy practitioner.



6. Hold an informal "lunch and learn" session at your workplace setting in order to put cancer treatment-related fatigue in proper perspective for your employer and co-workers. Use educational material available from your doctor's office or ask your oncology nurse to consider providing your co-workers with a short talk about the impact of cancer treatment-related fatigue in the workplace setting. Share this website.



7. Know the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act so that you understand your employee rights. Become familiar with your own company's policy regarding sick leave, disability, flexible scheduling, and work retraining options.



• Utilize the Job Accommodation Network at 800-ADA-WORK (800-232-9675) as a resource for you and your employer. The Job Accommodation Network is a free service that helps employers make special arrangements like flexible hours for employees who need them.