More help for cancer survivors to navigate challenges of returning to work

Two groups planning initiatives, expanding existing programme amid rising concerns

- Syarafana Shafeeq

Two major cancer support organisations here are doing more to help cancer survivors return to work and keep their jobs.

The National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) is working on a new programme within the next two years for those aged between 16 and 45 who recover from their cancer diagnosis and hope to return to normal life.

It aims to help them navigate challenges such as finding a job, returning to work or coping with the financial strain because of lower employability.

The Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) also has plans to expand its Return-To-Work programme for its patients, and create a new framework for companies to take steps to be more inclusive.

Launched in 2021, the Return-To-Work programme has helped more than 150 cancer survivors through vocational coaching, counselling, and guidance on communicating better with employers.

These initiatives come amid growing concerns about anxieties over going back to work and microaggressions survivors face in the workplace.

NCCS is also working with Sengkang General Hospital and support groups like SCS and 365 Cancer Prevention Society to explore initiatives such as job coaching.

SCS interviewed 120 cancer survivors in 2025 for an upcoming report on their experiences going back to work after recovery. The full report will be out in October.

It found that nearly half, or 45 per cent, of survivors were anxious about returning to work. This stemmed from feeling "useless" or less competent, anxiety over workloads and fear of workplace stress triggering a health relapse.

These feelings are higher among survivors who do not work in professional, managerial, executive and technical (PMET) jobs.

Non-PMET jobs are typically in sectors such as retail, manufacturing and accommodation, and could include positions like shop assistants, construction labourers and waitstaff.