Our Mission

MyMuse aims to change the way cancer is seen and managed within the workplace

mymuse bridges the gap between employers and their employees who are returning to work during or following their own or a loved ones cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Mymuse is changing the way businesses are responding to cancer.

cancer affects many australians with 1 in 2 Australians diagnosed by the age of 85. an estimated 10-38% employees not returning back to work after treatment.

Mymuse ENDEAVOURS to work with companies and employees affected by cancer. providing a HOLISTIC and tailored support to improve individual wellbeing and return to work rates during their cancer journey. Mymuse also looks at the wider circle affected by cancer in the workplace, and provides tools to assist.

It is time to end the Band-Aid solution that continues to be used, and create a supportive environment for our ever-changing valuable workforce.

The Facts

Cancer is a major cause of illness in Australia and has a substantial social and economic impact on individuals, families and the community. In 2017, it was estimated that 134,174 people will be diagnosed with cancer and 47,753 people will die from cancer. Findings from the recent Australian Burden of Disease Study showed that cancer contributed to 19% of the total disease burden in Australia (AIHW 2016).  It is estimated that in 2018 there will be 138,321 new cases of cancer and 150,000 new cases per year by 2020.  1 in 2 will be diagnosed with cancer by there 85th birthday.  

Statistics on carers based on a 2015 survey data showed that there were 2.7 million unpaid carers in Australia. It was estimated that around 32% of these were primary carers, with the replacement value of these carers estimated at over $1 billion per week. The average median age of a carer was 55, and 56% of the them also participated in the workforce and have a paid income paying job.

Although cancer diagnosis rates are continuing to rise, the rate of survival (per 100,000 people) has improved with 24% less deaths than 30 years ago.

With an ageing population and an ever-increasing retirement age, individuals being diagnosed earlier and surviving cancer, cancer patients and carers are more likely to be of working age.

It is estimated that currently between 10-38% of employees do not return to work following treatment for cancer.   

What are we doing?

These statistics show that these people make up a lot of our population.  How much support are they given, whether it be to return to work following their illness or being a carer.  Time and time again, these people are forgotten about and left to fight for themselves, and not given the support they need by their employers or the hospitals and charities with real take home plans.  

The Disability Act 1992

“Under law, cancer is considered a disability. If you cannot perform your usual work duties, your employer is obligated by the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ so you can continue to work, unless it will result in ‘unjustifiable hardship’ to the organisation. These adjustments could be to your duties, workspace or hours, and they could be temporary or long-term.” (Cancer, work and you, 2017)