Cancer experts demand more support for those affected in the world of work!

Cancer experts demand more support for those affected in the world of work!

people with cancer in Austria face massive challenges. At a press conference in Vienna on Tuesday, experts urgently pointed out the urgent need for more support. The expansion of oncological psychological care, rehabilitation as well as palliative and hospice supply is particularly important. According to the Austrian Krebsreport 2024 are often afraid of a relapse or progression of their illness. Paul Sevelda from the Austrian Cancer Aid said that 40 percent of those affected are between 15 and 65 years of age, and after two years, about 23 percent of them are no longer active in professional life.

Need for reintegration

A gradual reintegration of cancer patients into the labor market is crucial to stabilize the state of health. This measure, also known as the Hamburg model, enables sick employees to gradually return to their workplace. Employers are obliged to support the return after a long illness, whereby the duration of the reintegration can be between six weeks and six months. It is important that the employees concerned are willing to work to a limited extent while they are supported by their doctor at the same time. This procedure not only has a legal basis, but should also ensure long-term work skills, as in the framework of operational integration management (bei)

In addition, it was demanded that employers offer cancer patients effective protection against dismissal and enable reintegration partition positions. These measures are essential to help those affected find a place in professional life again. So far, the Austrian Cancer Aid has paid 3.4 million euros to 3,900 patients to alleviate financial hardship. However, more funds and clear structures are urgently needed for further improvements in palliative and hospice supply so that even seriously ill people can be adequately looked after.