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Supporting Survivors at Work: Cancer and Careers

Last Updated: May 29, 2025

By: Ginger Blackmon, PharmD | Rebecca Nellis, MPP,

What happens when cancer becomes part of your life—but work doesn’t stop?

In the Season 8 finale of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Nellis, MPP, Executive Director of Cancer and Careers, for an eye-opening conversation about a part of survivorship that often gets overlooked: navigating work during and after treatment.

From the stress of disclosing a diagnosis to managing side effects on the job, cancer survivors face tough questions—often without clear answers. Rebecca shares how Cancer and Careers is changing that by equipping patients, employers, and healthcare providers with tools, empathy, and support.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • The mission and evolution of Cancer and Careers
  • Why work can be both a lifeline and a burden for cancer survivors
  • The power of identity and purpose throughout the work journey—during and after treatment
  • Real programs that make a difference—like resume reviews, tech grants, and workplace training
  • What healthcare providers can do to spot red flags and offer the right kind of help
  • How COVID, remote work, and cultural shifts are reshaping survivorship in the workforce

 

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