Should we talk about boobs at work? This is an important conversation, and it’s about time we had it. Just as we discuss other health-related issues in the workplace, breast health shouldn’t be any different. Considering the statistics, all of us will likely encounter breast cancer in some way. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. So whether you are the one experiencing a diagnosis, or know a colleague or a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease, ignoring the fact that breast cancer happens doesn’t make it go away. Sweeping the topic under the rug creates unnecessary barriers for those going through one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Employees shouldn’t feel they have to hide a breast cancer diagnosis
Talking about breasts, or more specifically, breast health, in the workplace is essential. It’s not about being indiscreet or inappropriate. Rather, it’s about fostering an open environment where employees don’t feel compelled to hide their health issues. We don’t shy away from heart health, do we? So why are we choosing which parts of the anatomy can and can’t be discussed?
During my journey with breast cancer, I chose transparency. It was not always easy, and even caused some discomfort in others. I vividly recall sharing the news of my diagnosis with a client. Yes, I was emotional and on the call, the client declared their support for my situation. They even followed up with one of those “you got this” gift baskets. Two weeks later they informed me they were going with another PR agency. I was speaking with a friend of mine the other day who’s husband has recently gone through cancer treatment. Similar to me, he wanted to work through his treatment. It gives you a sense of grounding and normalness in a situation completely outside of your control. However, at one point, he was struggling to meet a deadline as he dealt with the side effects of chemotherapy (a chemo “low” by the way last typically a few days). His boss’s response: “I don’t care. Meet the deadline or get out.”
An environment where employees feel safe, heard and supported to talk about boobs at work
We don’t know what battles people are fighting, especially regarding health. As a manager, it’s one’s responsibility to create an environment where your team feels safe, heard, and supported. The truth is, that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. It does not care about your age, your job title, your work deadline, or how uncomfortable others might feel about the topic. It doesn’t even care about your gender. Men can get breast cancer too.
It’s time for us to shift the narrative. To show up for our colleagues and to create a culture that doesn’t shy away from realities because they may seem daunting. Let’s create a space where awareness about breast health in the workplace can lead to early detection, and have an open dialogues about what what our colleagues, especially those affected by a breast cancer diagnosis, might need – because no one should walk this journey alone.
Open talk about breast health at work can save lives
Remember, being proactive includes promoting being breast and body aware, doing self-examinations and getting screened. It means encouraging knowledge-sharing sessions about breast health for all employees – men, women, and transgender individuals. When breast cancer is caught early, the survival rates are high, the treatment options are greater, and the demands on the individual and their family are less. If you are interested in adopting a workplace breast screening awareness program, you may want to consider investing in Know Your Lemons at Work.
My final thoughts for managers grappling with this issue would be to have the courage to confront these topics head-on. Open and honest dialogue about breast health sends the message that breast cancer, or any other health issue for that matter, doesn’t render an employee less valuable or less capable. We all have a role to play in shaping a healthier, more caring professional world. So, let’s step up and simply start the conversation. The impact of this one action will echo farther and wider than you can imagine.
