Can liver cancer patients return to work after surgery?

Generally, whether a patient can return to work after liver cancer surgery depends on a comprehensive assessment of the individual's specific condition, postoperative recovery status, nature of work, and other factors. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the liver cancer patient recovers well after surgery, with no tumor metastasis and liver function indicators basically normal, and if their job mainly involves light physical or mental labor—such as office clerical work—they may gradually resume work 3–6 months after surgery, provided that a doctor confirms their physical condition permits. Initially, working 2–3 hours per day is advisable, gradually increasing the duration to allow the body to adapt slowly to the work rhythm.

If the patient’s recovery is slow after surgery, liver function has not returned to an ideal state, or the job involves heavy physical labor, frequent late nights, or high levels of mental stress, returning to work should not be rushed. Working under such conditions may increase the burden on the liver, impair postoperative recovery, and even cause fluctuations in the disease condition. Further rest and recuperation are necessary until all health indicators meet the required standards and the physician approves resuming work.

After returning to work, patients should undergo regular hospital follow-up examinations to monitor changes in health indicators. They should maintain a balance between work and rest, avoid overexertion, and immediately stop working and seek medical care if symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, or decreased appetite occur. Additionally, maintaining a positive mindset is important to prevent work-related stress from negatively affecting physical and mental health.