Financial Toxicity and Employment: Experienced Drawbacks for Back to Work

While financial toxicity is often discussed in the context of healthcare costs, its consequences extend into the employment sphere and pose significant challenges for cancer patients seeking to re-enter the workforce. The burden of cancer treatment can lead to prolonged absence from work, reduced productivity and potential barriers to employment due to health-related limitations. This creates a complex interplay between financial strain and professional expectations as individuals strike a delicate balance between managing their health and maintaining their livelihoods. Breast cancer, one of the most common cancers in the world, is associated with employment issues. The impact of cancer on employment highlights the need for comprehensive support systems and policies that address not only medical costs but also the broader socioeconomic consequences of the disease. This chapter highlights the complex relationship between financial toxicity and employment. It provides insights into returning to work as cancer survivors struggle with the economic consequences of their diagnosis and treatment.