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Jenna Fischer Wants Companies to Give Employees Time Off to Get Cancer Screenings: 'It Can Save Lives'

"The Office" alum Jenna Fischer encourages employers to prioritize their employees' health by providing time off for cancer screenings. Fischer was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and she shares what helped her during "crash" days following chemotherapy treatments.

Though Fischer says she's grateful for her own job's flexibility to allow her time to get necessary screenings, she knows not everyone has that luxury; her sister is a teacher, she says, and has to schedule her appointments far in advance because she has a limited amount of personal and sick days. “In many cases, you can keep working during cancer treatment,” Fischer, who records the Office Ladies podcast with friend Angela Kinsey, tells PEOPLE. “Workplace support changes health outcomes: Employers, bosses and coworkers alike can play an active role in their colleague’s recovery by advocating for them to take the time and space they need for treatment.”

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