Practical concerns

After cancer treatment, you may have concerns about financial issues, insurance policies and work.

Financial assistance

For many people, cancer treatment can be a financial strain. This can be caused by extra costs or loss of income. Support is available:

Cancer Council SA may be able to organise legal, financial and workplace advice.

Ask your social worker about whether any financial or practical assistance is available to you. If you have to travel for follow-up appointments, ask about patient travel assistance.

Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for free, confidential and independent financial counselling.

Ask your utility company, loan provider or local council how they can help you manage payment of your bills or loans. Check if you qualify for any rebates,  concessions or hardship programs.

Talk to your superannuation fund about applying for an early release of your superannuation on the grounds of severe financial hardship. Find out how this will affect your retirement and whether your superannuation has any insurance policies that you could claim on.

Download our booklet ‘Cancer and Your Finances’

Insurance

Applying for new insurance (life, income protection or travel) may be harder because you have had cancer. You are generally required to provide your medical history, including any diagnosis of cancer.

In general, you should be able to buy insurance for things that are not cancer-related (like travel insurance for lost luggage or life insurance for accidental death). It may be difficult to buy travel insurance that covers cancer-related medical problems, but you should be able to get coverage for non-cancer-related medical costs. It is a good idea to check exactly what is covered before buying a new insurance policy.

Download our fact sheet ‘Life Insurance’

Working after treatment ends

Having a job is an important part of life for many people. Aside from income, work can provide satisfaction, social contact, a sense of normality, and a way of maintaining self-esteem.

If you took time off work for treatment and are returning to an existing job, talk to your employer about a return to work plan. It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor about your ability to perform your usual tasks. For some people, returning to the same job may not be possible due to changes in ability and length of time away. The desire to reduce work-related stress or seek more meaningful work may also motivate people to change jobs.

1. Do I have a right to return to my job? Australian laws require an employer to take reasonable steps to accommodate the effects of an employee’s illness. This may mean, for example, that your employer allows you to return to work in stages, is flexible with start and finish times, gives you time off to attend medical appointments, or provides tailored work tools. If you are unable to carry out your previous role, your employer doesn’t have to offer you a different job unless your cancer is work-related.
2. Must I say I had cancer in job applications? While some people may want to tell a potential employer that they have had cancer, you don’t need to unless it may impact on your ability to do the job. If you are asked about a gap in your résumé, you can say that you had a health issue and it’s now resolved. A prospective employer is permitted to ask you about your ability to perform tasks that are an essential part of the job (e.g. lifting heavy boxes). If some tasks are a problem for you because of the cancer or treatment, it’s best to mention this at the interview.
3. What if I can no longer work? If cancer or its treatment has made it impossible for you to return to your previous work, then rehabilitation and retraining programs can prepare you for another job. Your employer may have a rehabilitation scheme or you could discuss this with your GP. You may be eligible for a payout if you have income protection insurance. If you are unable to return to work, visit Centrelink or call them on 132 717 to see if you are eligible for the Disability Support Pension or other payments.

Discrimination at work. A lack of knowledge about cancer may mean some people are treated differently at work after a cancer diagnosis. Employers and colleagues may think you need more time off or wonder about your ability to perform your usual role.

Anyone who has had cancer is protected by the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which prevents employers from discriminating against people with disabilities in the workplace.

For further information and advice:

• speak to a social worker, union official or solicitor
• contact your state or territory anti-discrimination body or visit the Australian Human Rights Commission
• visit the Fair Work Ombudsman
• download Cancer Council’s online workplace fact sheets. These fact sheets assist employers and workplaces to provide a supportive and fair work environment for people affected by cancer

Download our booklet ‘Cancer, Work & You’