Jan. 6, 2015: Managing Cancer at Work Program: A New Employee Benefit and Resource

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer is not something we like or want to think about, but the reality is that at least one in three adults in the U.S. will develop cancer in his or her lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, there are over 14 million cancer survivors in the U.S. today, and over 40 percent of them are of working age. This means that many people will be working at the time of a cancer diagnosis and during treatment, or they will be caring for a loved one with cancer while they work.

Until now, very few programs existed to help employees deal with cancer and the workplace. Johns Hopkins Medicine has taken the lead nationally to understand and support the needs of employees dealing with cancer. We are pleased to announce that Managing Cancer at Work, a new benefit and resource, is now available to all Johns Hopkins Medicine faculty and staff.

Developed by the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Managing Cancer at Work is a unique education, advocacy and navigation program designed specifically to support those who are working while dealing with the long-term impact of a cancer diagnosis or are caring for someone with cancer.  The program is now included as part of Johns Hopkins Medicine's comprehensive benefits package and offered at no charge. 

Managing Cancer at Work includes two components: expert and personal support from a nurse navigator, and Web-based education and resources.

• A nurse navigator is available by telephone to provide confidential guidance to employees on medical and work issues while being treated or when serving as a caregiver, as well as access to support groups and other resources. To speak with the nurse navigator, call 410-955-6229 or email managecancer@jhmi.edu.
• The Managing Cancer at Work website, managingcanceratwork.com, provides comprehensive information and videos for employees, including types of cancer, screening, prevention and caregiver education. A separate portal on the website is available for managers, offering guidance and resources on how best to support and manage an employee who has cancer or is caring for someone with cancer. Access the employee and manager portals on the website with PIN 6229.

The Managing Cancer at Work program is here to provide answers to your questions and access to resources that will keep you informed, engaged and feeling supported. We hope you will take advantage of this valuable resource.

Sincerely,

Paul B. Rothman, M.D.
Dean of the Medical Faculty
CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ronald R. Peterson
President
The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System
EVP, Johns Hopkins Medicine