Be kind to yourself during the transition – Simon-Hart

Be kind to yourself during the transition – Simon-Hart

…urges mutual understanding that prepares the workplace for a good return.

In a yet another epoch-making event, the Khayr Cancer Health Initiative (KCHI) held its 18^th Webinar Series with the theme “Employment, Workplace Adaptations and Return to work” as part of the coordinated efforts at increasing human capacity development through advocacy and experience sharing.

The webinar which had Mrs Abigail Simon-Hart, Co-Founder, Bricon Foundation as the invited guest speaker features how cancer champions and those on treatment could successfully transit to their workplaces.

Her presentation covers important aspects such as preparing for the return to work with open communication, establishing gradual work re-entry, understanding legal protections, managing expectations and seeking medical guidance.

Others are prioritizing mental wellbeing, navigating accommodations, building support networks, handling social dynamics, and practicing self-kindness.

Abigail, a multi-award-winning breast cancer survivor, counsellor, and dedicated patient advocate holds a First-Class degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Master’s degree from the University of Jos.

In addition, she is an alumna of the prestigious Lagos Business School and has completed a range of specialized training programs with institutions such as George Washington University, St. Francis Hospice Dublin, Macmillan Cancer Support UK, and Hospice Africa Uganda, among others.

Abigail mentioned that whilst there is no specific law protecting cancer patient the existing disability law (2018) can be applied. She encouraged survivors to familiarize themselves workplace laws, the right to reasonable adjustments, and protection against unfair dismissal that may apply in their workplace. In addition, survivors are recommended to find a way out where the workplace is not conducive to return, to seriously considers change of work as mental health and wellbeing is crucial to full recovery.

A trailblazer in cancer advocacy in Nigeria, Abigail was one of the first breast cancer survivors in the country to publicly challenge the stigma surrounding cancer and champion the rights and voices of survivors. In 2016, she co-founded The Bricon Foundation, where she currently serves as CEO and Trustee.

Her work is deeply rooted in empowering patients to reclaim their voices and promoting a healthy body image—particularly for women who have undergone mastectomies.

Executive Director, TamBo Foundation and a survivor, Oluwatoyin Adewunmi remarked “Excellent discourse. Candid conversations. Gave me an opportunity reflect on work life balance at the height of intense treatment. It would be interesting to do a study to examine the posture of corporate Nigeria, its labor laws and accommodations for chronic diseases like cancer”.

The moderator, Suliat Y. Adedoja (CEO, SAY Health Literacy Academy) emphasized the need for adequate education of human relations laws to ensure ease of transition for appropriate re-integration.

The webinar was attended by numerous stakeholders in Nigeria’s Cancer Space including and not limited to the members of trustees of the Khayr Cancer Health Initiative. An NGO dedicated for care, advocacy, research and empowerment of patients.