All of us have been impacted by cancer. Perhaps it has been you, your spouse, your child, a family member or a friend. You probably realize that cancer takes a toll on us physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Many cancer survivors continue to work or return to work after treatment. Some do not because they lack support in their workplace. Caregivers of cancer survivors also face their own issues at work as they use significant time to meet the needs of their loved one, causing difficulties with balancing personal and workplace requirements. Lastly, co-workers and managers of cancer survivors can be overwhelmed or confused about how to react to the needs of cancer survivors in the workplace.
So perhaps you have been diagnosed with cancer, have found the right treatment team, but are asking yourself, "What happens with my workplace?" "Who do I tell, how do I do that, what can I expect from my co-workers, what about when I need leave, and do I have some workplace protections?"
Work/Life Connections-EAP strives to help all VUMC employees who are touched by this disease to find resources to guide them through the process of living and working, successfully, during this difficult time. You will find the following links informative as the patient, as the manager/co-worker, or, as the caregiver.
Resources for Employees & Supervisors:
The Patient and Family Resource Center located in 1700 AB The Vanderbilt Clinic, has free resources available to anyone (not just Vanderbilt patients) and the information covers disease specific information, symptom management, cancer related magazine, end of life resources and many more topics.
Cancer and Careers: A collection of resources for creating action plans, going back to work, legal and financial concerns, and getting organized.
Equal Opportunity Employment Commission: Information on employees dealing with cancer in the workplace.
Stupid Cancer: A charity focusing on resources for young adults with cancer.
Gilda's Club of Middle Tennessee: A gathering place for people with cancer, their families, and their friends.
Local Support Services: Offers free online educational programs, including: I Can Cope, the Cancers Survivor Network, and MyLifeLine for people diagnosed with cancer, their families, and their friends.
Caring Bridge: A free website helping connect friends and family to share medical updates, photos, and videos.
What Supervisors Can Do: Information from the American Cancer Society helping workplace supervisors know what to expect when an employee has been diagnosed with cancer.
