Cancer Hits Women's Careers Harder Than Men's, Big Study Shows

A massive new review shows cancer hurts women's jobs more than men's. Researchers looked at 144 studies from 27 countries. They found women lose more work time and income after diagnosis. The data comes from the biggest analysis of its kind so far.

The numbers are stark. People miss about a quarter of their work due to illness. They also lose nearly a quarter of output while still showing up. Hours drop by almost one fifth. These figures cover formal jobs in rich Western nations mostly.

Getting back to work takes a long time. Only about half return fully. The median wait is 239 days. One in ten lose their jobs entirely. For advanced cancer, that jumps to over one third. Unemployment hits nearly three in ten survivors.

Many end up on disability or retire early. About one in ten use long-term disability. Roughly one in seven retire before planned. Other work settings get less attention in the research. The gap between men and women shows up in every measure.

These facts should shape better policies. Employers and governments need real numbers to help survivors stay employed. The study gives the clearest picture yet of how cancer derails careers. It also shows how the impact changes by cancer stage, location, and time since diagnosis.