Can I work during cancer treatment?

Many people can. The National Cancer Institute notes that many people are able to work during chemotherapy as long as they match their work schedule to how they feel, rather than sticking to a fixed schedule no matter what.

For some people that means working full-time throughout treatment. For others, it means working part-time or from home on days they don't feel well, if their job allows it. Fatigue, the most common chemotherapy side effect, can vary a lot from person to person and even day to day, which is part of why flexibility matters.

NCI also points out that many employers are required by law to adjust your work schedule during cancer treatment. A social worker can explain which laws apply to your specific situation, whether that involves medical leave, disability accommodations, or something else related to your workplace.

Talking with your care team about what side effects to expect, and with your employer about what flexibility might be possible, can help you figure out a realistic plan for working during your treatment.