Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Switzerland. There are many ways to reduce risk and detect disease at an early stage. In this article, we will explore prevention strategies and the aspect of return to work after treatment.
Context and prevention
Breast cancer can affect women from puberty onwards, but its incidence increases with age.
Every year in Switzerland nearly 6,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed. One in eight women is at risk of developing this disease during their lifetime, making it the most common cancer and the leading cause of death among other cancers diagnosed in women. Men may also be affected, but to a much lesser extent. The best way to combat this disease remains screening, which is still too often minimized, especially among young women.
Everyone probably knows at least one person affected by the disease in their surroundings…
From the age of 25, it is recommended to consult your gynaecologist once a year for a chest palpation. A mammogram is recommended every two years from the age of 50. Several cantons offer screening programs. Detected early, breast cancer is cured in 90% of cases!
During the treatment …
The announcement of the cancer diagnosis as well as the treatments related to this disease are a disruption for the person. The person will be absent from work for some time and in this context it is important to maintain the link as a manager with the employee. The same goes for the team and the employee. These contacts can provide great support and encourage a return to work. It is recommended to clarify with the employee the type of supports she needs as well as their frequency. The testimonies of support will thus never be perceived as intrusive.
The company and colleagues can, for example, express their solidarity in various ways, such as sending a card or messages, but also a visit with the consent of the person concerned.
After her treatments, the collaborator will be able to resume work. The employer and the team will also have their role to play after the treatment and recovery phase.
… And upon returning to work
For a return to work in the best conditions, it is beneficial that the employee clarifies with her doctor her functional limitations. A recovery plan for the first months can thus be established.
For the manager, it is important to get in touch a few weeks before the resumption with the employee to anticipate concrete needs.
Here are some points of attention for the employer or manager:
- What are the functional limitations?
- Should the working hours or activity be adjusted?
- How does the person wish to be welcomed upon their return?
- How does she wish to communicate about her return?
- And why not plan a little attention for the day of return to work?
Indeed, the intervention or radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatments can lead to temporary or permanent limitations. It is important that the team and the manager show understanding in this recovery phase. A different distribution of tasks within the team may be necessary when starting the return to work. The manager and the team will also have their role to play in facilitating the recovery, notably by explaining changes that occurred during the absence or new procedures.
It is also possible to arrange support by a case manager or a health specialist in the company, who can be of great assistance for both the employee and the company. The health specialist in the company will be able to coordinate information and facilitate communication between the employee, the employer, the medical stakeholders, and the insurance companies (loss of income insurance, AI). He also supports the collaborator in this complicated period. Thanks to the confidentiality of the interviews, he can address personal and sensitive aspects in complete transparency. This support in case management allows the employee to return to the world of work with confidence and serenity.
More information about our case management service.
To learn more about the causes, risk factors or treatments for breast cancer, go to the website of the League against Cancer.
