Skip to main content
Return to Work Navigator original compass logoReturn to Work Navigator

Curated Return-to-Work & Survivorship Resources

93 curated resources • 0 saved • 0 rated

Filter by recovery need

Tap what you're working on. Combine tags to narrow results.

AI-Powered Personalized Recommendations

Get smart resource suggestions based on your unique journey

What makes this special?

  • •Analyzes your journey stage, energy patterns, and stress levels
  • •Considers your upcoming return date and accommodations
  • •Prioritizes resources based on your immediate needs
  • •Provides actionable guidance on how to use each resource

Cancer Organizations

10 resources
WEBSITE
workplace rights
communication

American Cancer Society - Working During Treatment

American Cancer Society

Comprehensive workplace resources, including return to work guidance and talking to your employer about cancer

WEBSITE
breast cancer
accommodations

Breastcancer.org - Working During Treatment

Breastcancer.org

Practical advice for balancing work with breast cancer treatment, including accommodations and communication tips

WEBSITE
career
workplace rights

Cancer and Careers

Cancer and Careers

Dedicated to empowering cancer patients and survivors to thrive in their workplace, with tools, resources, and support

WEBSITE
counseling
support groups

CancerCare

CancerCare

Professional support services, including counseling, support groups, and assistance with workplace issues

WEBSITE
advocacy
survivorship

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

NCCS

Advocacy organization providing resources and support for cancer survivors

WEBSITE
young adults
community

Stupid Cancer

Stupid Cancer

Community and resources for adolescents and young adults affected by cancer

WEBSITE
breast cancer
work management

Susan G. Komen - Work and Cancer

Susan G. Komen

Information about managing work during and after breast cancer treatment, including talking to employers

WEBSITE
legal
employment

Triage Cancer - Employment Resources

Triage Cancer

Legal and practical information for cancer survivors navigating employment issues

WEBSITE
free resources
employment

Triage Cancer - Free Resources by Topic

Triage Cancer

Free directory of resources organized by topic — including employment, insurance, finances, disability, medical care, and legal issues — for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers

WEBSITE
return to work
resources

Learn Look Locate - Back to Work

Learn Look Locate

Resources and guidance for cancer survivors returning to work

Financial Assistance

8 resources
TOOL
financial aid
treatment costs

Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition

Cancer FAC

Database of financial resources to help cancer patients with treatment-related expenses

WEBSITE
financial aid
transportation

CancerCare Financial Assistance

CancerCare

Limited financial assistance for cancer-related costs including transportation, childcare, home care, and medication

WEBSITE
family support
financial aid

Family Reach

Family Reach

Financial assistance and support services for families facing cancer

WEBSITE
insurance
copayments

HealthWell Foundation

HealthWell Foundation

Financial assistance for underinsured patients to cover coinsurance, copayments, and premiums

TOOL
medication
healthcare costs

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds

Database of patient assistance programs for medications and healthcare costs

WEBSITE
copayments
financial aid

Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief

Patient Advocate Foundation

Co-payment assistance for patients with specific chronic, life-threatening, or debilitating diseases

GUIDE
disability
benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for People with Cancer

American Cancer Society

Comprehensive guide explaining SSDI eligibility, application process, benefits, and what to do if your application is turned down. Includes information about Compassionate Allowances for faster approval

WEBSITE
young adults
financial aid

The SAMFund

The SAMFund

Financial assistance and support for young adult cancer survivors

Government Resources

12 resources
GUIDE
ADA
accommodations

ADA Compliance Cheat Sheet

CustomGuide

Essential guide to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Covers hiring requirements, reasonable accommodations, interview accessibility, onboarding practices, and maintaining ADA compliance in the workplace

WEBSITE
ADA
guidance

ADA National Network

ADA National Network

Information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act

WEBSITE
job search
training

CareerOneStop

U.S. Department of Labor

Job search, training, and career resources sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor

WEBSITE
FMLA
leave

Department of Labor - FMLA

U.S. Department of Labor

Information about the Family and Medical Leave Act, including eligibility and how to request leave

WEBSITE
workplace rights
discrimination

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

EEOC

Information on workplace rights and filing discrimination complaints under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

GUIDE
FMLA
eligibility

FMLA Requirements Cheat Sheet

CustomGuide

Quick reference guide for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Covers eligibility requirements, types of leave, documentation needs, implementation steps, and compliance best practices

WEBSITE
accommodations
ADA

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

Job Accommodation Network

Free guidance on workplace accommodations and the ADA. Provides personalized assistance and resources for cancer survivors

WEBSITE
insurance
Medicaid

Medicaid.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Information about Medicaid eligibility and coverage for cancer treatment

WEBSITE
insurance
Medicare

Medicare.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Information about Medicare coverage for cancer treatment and related healthcare services

WEBSITE
treatment
management

National Cancer Institute - Managing Cancer Care

National Cancer Institute

Comprehensive resources from the NCI on managing cancer treatment, including work and daily life considerations

WEBSITE
disability
benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Administration

Information about disability benefits and how to apply if your cancer prevents you from working

WEBSITE
rehabilitation
employment

State Vocational Rehabilitation Services

U.S. Department of Labor

State-run programs that help people with disabilities find and maintain employment

Articles & Publications

10 resources
ARTICLE
survivorship
clinical resources

ASCO Cancer Survivorship Resources

ASCO

Clinical resources and patient information on survivorship care from the American Society of Clinical Oncology

GUIDE
worksheets
guidance

Cancer and Careers Workbook

Cancer and Careers

Practical guidance and worksheets for navigating work during and after cancer treatment

GUIDE
free publications
printed materials

Cancer and Careers - Free Publications (Order by Mail)

Cancer and Careers

Order free printed publications shipped directly to you, including guides on managing work during treatment, job search, legal rights, and career development for cancer survivors

GUIDE
ADA
workplace rights

EEOC: Cancer in the Workplace and the ADA

EEOC

Official guidance on how the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to employees with cancer

GUIDE
accommodations
templates

Job Accommodation Network - Sample Letters

Job Accommodation Network

Templates and examples for requesting workplace accommodations under the ADA

GUIDE
survivorship
return to work

National Cancer Institute - Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment

National Cancer Institute

Comprehensive guide covering physical, emotional, and practical issues faced by cancer survivors, including returning to work

GUIDE
insurance
employment

Triage Cancer - Quick Guides

Triage Cancer

Short, easy-to-read guides on insurance, employment, finances, and other practical topics for cancer patients

GUIDE
legal rights
employment

Working Through Cancer: Your Legal Rights

Triage Cancer

A comprehensive guide to employment rights for cancer survivors, covering ADA, FMLA, and more

ARTICLE
fatigue
energy management

Managing Fatigue During Cancer Treatment

Cancer Support Community

Evidence-based strategies for managing cancer-related fatigue in the workplace

ARTICLE
communication
disclosure

Talking to Your Employer About Cancer

Cancer and Careers

Step-by-step guide for having difficult conversations with supervisors and HR about your diagnosis

Video Resources

5 resources
VIDEO
return to work
expectations

Returning to Work After Cancer: What to Expect

Cancer and Careers

Live and on-demand webinars covering the emotional and practical aspects of returning to work, featuring survivor stories

VIDEO
accommodations
ADA

Understanding Workplace Accommodations

Job Accommodation Network

Guidance on requesting and implementing reasonable workplace accommodations under the ADA, with cancer-specific examples

VIDEO
fatigue
pacing

Managing Energy and Fatigue at Work

American Cancer Society

Practical, evidence-based strategies for managing cancer-related fatigue, including pacing and energy conservation

VIDEO
disclosure
communication

Disclosure: To Tell or Not to Tell

Triage Cancer

Webinar on navigating disclosure decisions after a cancer diagnosis, with survivor perspectives

VIDEO
first week
survivor stories

Cancer Survivor Panel: First Week Back

CancerCare

Candid discussion with multiple survivors about their first week experiences and lessons learned

Support Groups

7 resources
SUPPORT_GROUP
support groups
education

Cancer Support Community

Cancer Support Community

Support groups, education, and resources for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Online and in-person options available

SUPPORT_GROUP
online community
peer support

Cancer Survivors Network

American Cancer Society

Online community connecting cancer survivors and caregivers for peer support and discussion

SUPPORT_GROUP
one-on-one
mentorship

Imerman Angels

Imerman Angels

Free one-on-one cancer support by pairing you with someone who has fought the same cancer

SUPPORT_GROUP
breast cancer
education

Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Education and support programs for people affected by breast cancer at every stage

SUPPORT_GROUP
young adults
breast cancer

Young Survival Coalition

Young Survival Coalition

Support and resources specifically for young adults diagnosed with breast cancer

SUPPORT_GROUP
return to work
virtual

Return to Work Support Group

Cancer Support Community

Free virtual and in-person support groups for survivors, including those navigating return to work challenges

SUPPORT_GROUP
young adults
meetups

Stupid Cancer Meetups

Stupid Cancer

Local and virtual meetups for adolescents and young adults dealing with cancer

Expert Interviews & Podcasts

5 resources
PODCAST
work-life balance
occupational therapy

The Work-Life Balance After Cancer

Cancer Support Community

Articles and stories on work-life balance and cancer survivorship from the Cancer Support Community blog

PODCAST
legal rights
employment law

Employment Lawyer Q&A: Your Rights

Triage Cancer

Legal and practical information covering ADA, FMLA, discrimination, and your employment rights

PODCAST
cognitive changes
chemo brain

Managing Cognitive Changes at Work

Cancer and Careers

Neuropsychologist discusses "chemo brain" and practical strategies for workplace cognitive challenges

PODCAST
first day
HR perspective

The First Day Back: An HR Perspective

NCCS

NCCS employment rights guide on what to expect and how to address cancer-related employment issues when returning

PODCAST
financial planning
medical debt

Financial Planning for Cancer Survivors

Family Reach

Financial resource center with guidance on managing medical debt, insurance, and everyday costs during cancer

Professional Services

6 resources
SERVICE
legal advocacy
disability rights

Disability Rights Advocates

Disability Rights Advocates

Legal advocacy organization fighting for the civil rights of people with disabilities

SERVICE
legal advocacy
disability rights

National Disability Rights Network

NDRN

Legal advocacy network protecting the rights of people with disabilities

SERVICE
case management
financial aid

Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation

Case management services and financial aid to help patients access healthcare and overcome financial barriers

SERVICE
legal information
discrimination

Triage Cancer Legal Resources

Triage Cancer

Practical guides to cancer rights — free legal information on employment discrimination and workplace rights

SERVICE
workers rights
employment law

Workplace Fairness

Workplace Fairness

Non-profit providing information and resources about workers rights and employment law

SERVICE
counseling
mental health

CancerCare Counseling Services

CancerCare

Free professional counseling services for cancer patients and their families, including workplace stress

Mental Health & Wellness

7 resources
ARTICLE
anxiety
mental health

Anxiety Management for Return to Work

Mental Health America

Comprehensive guide to managing anxiety related to returning to work after serious illness

VIDEO
mindfulness
stress management

Mindfulness Practices for Cancer Survivors

Mindful

Evidence-based mindfulness exercises specifically designed for cancer survivors dealing with workplace stress

VIDEO
confidence
self-esteem

Building Confidence After Cancer

Cancer Support Community

Programs and support for rebuilding professional confidence and self-esteem after cancer treatment

ARTICLE
sleep
shift work

Sleep Strategies for Shift Workers

National Sleep Foundation

Sleep tips and hygiene guidance to improve rest, energy, and daytime focus for working survivors

MEDITATION
stress reduction
meditation

Guided Meditation for Workplace Stress

Calm

10-minute guided meditation specifically for managing workplace anxiety and stress

MEDITATION
fatigue
relaxation

Body Scan Relaxation for Fatigue

Headspace

Guided body scan meditation to help manage cancer-related fatigue during work breaks

ARTICLE
imposter syndrome
confidence

Coping with Imposter Syndrome After Treatment

Psychology Today

Evidence-based strategies for recognizing and overcoming imposter syndrome when returning to work

Workshops & Webinars

8 resources
WORKSHOP
return to work
preparation

Return to Work Preparation Workshop

Cancer and Careers

Live and on-demand workshops and webinars covering all aspects of planning your return to work, with Q&A

WORKSHOP
managing fatigue
energy management

Managing Fatigue at Work Workshop

Cancer Support Community

Programs and support for managing fatigue, pacing strategies, and energy conservation

WORKSHOP
communication
disclosure

Workplace Communication Skills

Triage Cancer

Learn how to effectively communicate with employers, HR, and colleagues about your needs

WORKSHOP
workplace rights
legal

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Disability Rights Advocates

Legal advocacy organization fighting for ADA, FMLA, and disability rights protections in the workplace

WORKSHOP
resilience
coping strategies

Building Resilience After Cancer

Mental Health America

MHA resources on returning to work and building emotional resilience after a serious illness

WORKSHOP
financial planning
insurance

Financial Planning for Survivors

Family Reach

Financial resource center covering medical debt management, insurance navigation, and financial wellness

WORKSHOP
chemo brain
cognitive strategies

Cognitive Strategies for Chemo Brain

American Cancer Society

Learn practical techniques to manage cognitive changes and improve workplace focus

WORKSHOP
self-advocacy
accommodations

Self-Advocacy Skills for Survivors

NCCS

NCCS self-advocacy resources on speaking up for your needs and navigating workplace accommodations

Stress Reduction & Mindfulness

6 resources
MEDITATION
stress reduction
meditation

5-Minute Office Meditation

Insight Timer

Quick guided meditation perfect for workplace breaks to reduce stress and refocus

MEDITATION
relaxation
stress reduction

Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Work

Anxiety and Depression Association

ADAA guidance on progressive muscle relaxation and stress-reduction techniques to ease workplace tension

MEDITATION
anxiety
breathwork

Breathwork for Anxiety Management

Calm

Guided breathwork exercises specifically designed for managing workplace anxiety

MEDITATION
mindfulness
walking

Mindful Walking Meditation

UCLA Mindful

Guided walking meditation for lunch breaks or commute to build present-moment awareness

VIDEO
yoga
stress reduction

Yoga for Cancer Survivors

Yoga4cancer (Oncology Yoga)

Free oncology yoga class and gentle sequences adapted for cancer survivors to reduce stress and improve energy

MEDITATION
self-compassion
meditation

Loving-Kindness Meditation for Self-Compassion

Greater Good in Action (UC Berkeley)

Meditation practice to cultivate self-compassion and reduce negative self-talk

Expert Interviews & Articles

9 resources
ARTICLE
expert interview
workplace

Interview: Oncology Social Worker on Workplace Reentry

Cancer Support Community

Cancer Support Community support resources for workplace reentry and successful transitions

ARTICLE
managing fatigue
clinical

Managing Fatigue: An Oncologist's Perspective

ASCO

ASCO survivorship resources, including clinical guidance on managing cancer-related fatigue

ARTICLE
discrimination
legal

Employment Attorney Q&A on Discrimination

Workplace Fairness

Legal expert answers common questions about workplace discrimination and your rights

ARTICLE
accommodations
ergonomics

Occupational Therapist on Workplace Modifications

American Occupational Therapy Association

AOTA home office ergonomic tips — professional guidance on workstation adjustments and workplace modifications

ARTICLE
anxiety
confidence

Psychologist Discusses Return-to-Work Anxiety

American Psychological Association

Expert strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence when returning to work

ARTICLE
nutrition
energy

Nutritionist on Energy-Boosting Foods for Work

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Evidence-based nutrition advice for managing energy levels throughout the workday

ARTICLE
career
identity

Career Coach on Rebuilding Professional Identity

Cancer and Careers

Professional guidance on rediscovering your career goals and professional self after cancer

ARTICLE
sleep
performance

Sleep Specialist on Improving Work Performance

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Expert advice on optimizing sleep quality to enhance daytime energy and focus

WEBSITE
financial assistance
medications

Nancy's List Financial Assistance

Nancy's List

Comprehensive directory of financial resources for cancer patients, including assistance with living expenses, medications, co-pays, dental, vision, transportation, food, caregiving, legal resources, scholarships, retreats, and wish fulfillment organizations. Founded by a stage 4 ovarian cancer survivor.