Although it may be difficult, it is in your best interest to tell your boss about your cancer diagnosis. You will get job protection, extra sick leave, and reasonable accommodations to help you work during treatment for breast cancer. Prepare yourself, stay calm, and have the conversation in confidence.
Full Answer
How do I talk to my employer about cancer treatment?
Start with a clear picture of your treatment. Before you go to your employer, talk with your doctor about what to expect. Ask whether you’ll need time off to recover from chemotherapy or surgery. It’s also a good idea to ask how other people typically feel during and after your types of treatment.
What should I tell my work about my cancer?
What you tell your work about your cancer is a personal decision. If you tell someone but want them to keep this information confidential, be explicit that these are your wishes. No matter what you decide, Cancer Council is here to provide you with the information and support you need.
Is your employer supportive when you have cancer?
Employers are usually very supportive of employees going through cancer treatment, but this isn’t true 100 percent of the time. It’s a good idea to keep track of discussions you have with your boss or human resources office. Hang on to copies of work reviews, emails or letters about your performance, or requests for accommodations.
What should I tell my employer about my treatment plan?
Again, what and how much you tell your employer will depend on a few factors, such as your workplace and the kind of relationship you have with your manager. Before your chat, have a think about whether you want to provide information on: any work adjustments you may need, such as reduced hours or a request to work from home on treatment days.
Should I tell my new employer that I had cancer?
Potential employers cannot discriminate against you because of cancer. You don't have to tell potential employers about your medical history right away. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees your right to health privacy.
How do I tell my new employer I have cancer?
Know What to Tell Your Employer Most people find it helpful to write down what they want to say before their first time sharing information about their cancer. When talking to an employer you should cover: The diagnosis. How your treatment may possibly affect your work.
Can you work while going through cancer treatment?
Some people are able to keep working while they're getting cancer treatment. Some people work their usual full-time schedules. Some work the same schedules under special conditions (accommodations), like being closer to the office bathroom so it's easier to deal with side effects.
Should I mention cancer in interview?
The most important thing to remember is that your confidentiality is essential. If you don't want to mention that you're a cancer survivor either on your resume or in person, then you don't have to. Your diagnosis is nobody's business, but your own.
Should I quit my job if I have cancer?
Having cancer does not necessarily mean you will stop working. You might take time off for appointments, treatments, or extra rest. You might work as much as possible or take a leave of absence and return later. There are benefits to working even when you have cancer.
Can I be fired if I have cancer?
Under the Federal Rehabilitation, employers cannot discriminate because of a person's cancer. This act is similar to the ADA, but it only applies to federal workers. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). FEHA is a CA law that prohibits discrimination based on a disability.
What should you not do during chemotherapy?
9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatmentContact with body fluids after treatment. ... Overextending yourself. ... Infections. ... Large meals. ... Raw or undercooked foods. ... Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ... Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ... Smoking.More items...•
Is being a cancer survivor a disability?
Is Cancer a Disability? According the the Social Security Administration (SSA), cancer is considered a disability. Those with cancer can qualify for disability benefits if they can prove they meet a Blue Book disability listing for cancer.
Does chemotherapy qualify for short term disability?
To qualify for short- or long-term disability, you must not be able to work due to your disease, its treatment or its side effects. Depending on the severity and course of treatment, cancer may be a qualifying condition.
What you should not say in an interview?
Things you should never say in a job interviewNegativity about a previous employer or job."I don't know."Discussions about benefits, vacation and pay."It's on my resume."Unprofessional language."I don't have any questions."Asking what the company does.Overly prepared answers or cliches.More items...•
Is it OK to tell interviewer you are nervous?
Confidence is a big part of preparedness, and the role you're interviewing for will most likely require you to be decisive and confident so you can get things done. So don't say you're nervous -- it will probably make you more nervous, and it won't do you any favors with your interviewer, either.
Is it okay to talk about personal life in interview?
It's always okay to provide information about your personal life when the interviewer or recruiter asks you about it. Feel free to talk about your family and two dogs, but be careful not to overdo it. They may be asking to make you more comfortable in the interview process.
How to share cancer news?
If you do decide to share the news, here are some tips from our "Cancer, Work & You" publication to guide you: 1 rehearse the conversation with your family or a friend first, as this can boost your confidence 2 consider taking a support person with you, who can take notes or remind you of things you want to discuss 3 decide beforehand how much information you want to share. A simple list of topics can help ensure you don't miss anything important 4 request a meeting in a quiet place where you won't be interrupted, and allow plenty of time 5 come to the meeting with ideas about your needs and how any impact on the workplace can be dealt with 6 be prepared for your employer to bring up your working arrangements, eg, they may ask if you want a modified schedule. If you don't know, say you need to consider your options 7 write down any agreed changes to your working arrangements for you and your manager to sign 8 you can talk to your employer about whether or not you plan to tell your colleagues, and when you're thinking about doing it. You can also discuss if you would like to share this information with them yourself, or if you'd like your employer to talk to them about it. If you choose the latter, work with your employer on what you'd like them to say.
What does it mean to take time off work for treatment?
if you want other people in your workplace to know. if you need to take time off work for treatment and when you are likely to return to work. any work adjustments you may need, such as reduced hours or a request to work from home on treatment days.
Is it right to tell your boss about cancer?
There is no right or wrong approach. While some people prefer to only tell their employer if the cancer starts affecting their work, others decide to inform their manager right away, allowing them to come up with a plan to manage the impact on both them and their workplace.