According to a recent research letter published in JAMA, following a colorectal cancer diagnosis patients may experience low rates of job retention.University of Michigan Health System conducted follow up phone calls with over 560 stage III colorectal cancer patients to assess the link between access to paid sick leave and job retention.

Nearly 40%of US employees have no access to paid sick leave, though it could reduce the need for unpaid sick time used during colorectal cancer treatment periods. Patients, both with and without access to paid leave, report varying financial burdens. Study author Dr. Christine Veenstra explains that financial burdens can occur in many different ways. There are measurable costs such as prescriptions and doctors visits, but unmeasured costs as well such as taking unpaid time off of work, lost paychecks, and the inability to return to work after treatment.

Veenstra reiterates the importance of paid sick leave for Americans with cancer. It can help retain jobs and alleviate much of the financial strain associated with cancer treatment.

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