Talk Working Together with Cancer

Visionary, Experience expert

1 hour

NL

Job market,
HR,
Vitality,
Mental health

Cooperation,
Connect,
Inspire

It is and remains a vulnerable subject. Or is it a faraway show? Or are we just a
a little cancer tired?

I dare not say why work and cancer does not get more attention. But what we can't get away from
is that it needs more attention.

A lecture or keynote provides that attention, It makes people aware of the huge impact
it has on a person's life.

When I was told I had cervical cancer, the ground fell from under my feet. This is a cliché, but oh so true! Eventually, I was told that my prognosis was good and the treatment was 5 weeks of radiation every weekday and chemo every Monday. A tough course, but, I felt, I could do this!!! And I could. What I missed the most was the period afterwards. Recovering from the treatment. And this is something I often hear back from fellow sufferers. I also hear this a lot in the training for Experience Experts (Windesheim, Zwolle), which is paid for by the KWF.

On average, recovery from cancer, not counting treatment, takes 1.5 years. That's a long time. Awareness about cancer and its impact is therefore so important!

Every year, more than 116,000 people in the Netherlands are diagnosed with cancer. Ultimately, 1 in 2 people will get some form of cancer sometime in their lives. In the workplace, this is 1 in 6 people. These figures highlight the urgency of raising awareness around cancer in the workplace and in society.

It is and remains a vulnerable topic. Or is it a faraway show? Or are we just a little cancer tired?

I dare not say why work and cancer does not get more attention. But what we can't get away from is that it needs more attention.

Ultimately, I (and many with me) would see a legislative change in the sickness procedure. But it really starts with awareness!

HOW CAN I HELP?

Lectures and workshops focused on dealing with cancer in the workplace raise awareness. In doing so, I offer tools for colleagues and employers to provide appropriate support, increase understanding and adapt the work environment to the needs of employees who have cancer or are recovering.

A big part of liking a work situation is good cooperation. Almost everyone deals with co-workers and supervisors.

Knowing what is going on with someone who has cancer or is recovering from it is then the beginning. But also the other way around. Is a colleague having trouble being open? Why? What is behind it? Or is there a lack of understanding for the often invisible symptoms?

For the cancer patient, understanding is crucial for a good recovery. Stress about reactions of colleagues or a lack of understanding does not help and often does not improve the overall working atmosphere and cooperation. It can really get in the way of the cancer patient's recovery.

Let's face this vulnerable situation together and help the person with cancer lift this heavy file!

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