While getting breast cancer is never fun news for anyone, some women have to make the decision on if they will continue working during their treatment, take some time off, or leave the workplace all together. If you decide that you’d rather keep working, there are many things that can aid you as you go through the process of working during cancer treatment. And if you decide to take a step back? That’s okay too! We’re going to talk about everything you need to know, no matter what decision you choose.
Working During Cancer Treatment: Know Your Rights First
Did you know that breast cancer is considered a disability? In the US, the Social Security Administration (SSA), lists a disability as “the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” In other words, breast cancer can be considered a disability if it causes you to miss work for one year or more and if you meet certain other medical criteria. Even if you don’t meet this criteria, or have Stage 3B breast cancer (the minimum for some benefits) you may still qualify for certain benefits. This also means that a job can’t let you go simply for having cancer and needing to take time off for your treatments.
Do I have to tell my employer about my breast cancer?
Technically, no, you don’t. However, if this means you miss work and get fired due to not meeting certain obligations, you can’t retaliate by saying you had breast cancer and suing the company. So, if you want to be legally protected, we highly recommend informing your employer as soon as you’ve been diagnosed and are preparing to start treatment. That way they can work with you on new expectations and you can balance the two.
What if I’m looking for a new job?
A potential employer is not allowed to ask you anything about your health status, and that includes asking if you have had or have breast cancer. However, if you feel it’s relevant, we encourage you say so if there are opportunities you can take. Once you have the job, an employer is allowed to ask about how your health may affect your work performance. Please always answer truthfully, as giving false or incomplete information could mislead them. It’s always better to be honest. A job can not discriminate against you and not hire you simply because you have breast cancer!
Looking for a new opportunity after going through your diagnosis and treatment? Check out the Job Accommodation Network. They provide free expert help on job accommodations and potential employment issues.
What do I do if my breast cancer disability was denied?
If your application for breast cancer disability is denied, there may be a few reasons. However, you can always appeal within 60 days of receiving the denial decision. Keep in mind that some studies have shown that upward of 60% of initial disability applications are denied, but the chances of approval increase with an appeal, so always appeal. You never know what the final answer will be!
Also, if your disability is denied, keep in mind that you may still qualify for FMLA. This is part of a federal law that allows eligible employees who have certain medical conditions to take unpaid, job-protected leave while still maintaining their health coverage.
How to Work During Treatments
If you decide to stick to working both during and after your treatments, there are ways to balance both! Here’s what you should keep in mind.
Have A New Routine
It’s important to note that you don’t have to keep up with the routine, work style, or pace that you did before. It’s okay to cut yourself slack when needed, especially during treatments where you may be dealing with other symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and more. Don’t be afraid to ask for accommodations to make work as comfortable as possible for you, and try not to stretch yourself so thin. Then, once treatment is over, ease yourself back into your full workload over time so you’re not overwhelmed.
Get Help When Needed
As you start to feel confident again about your job abilities, there are a few things you can do to support yourself and your colleagues.
First, make sure you’re checking in with both your mental and physical healthy. If you’re struggling in those aspects, that can carry on in your work and your work relationships. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, including from your managers or bosses, and your team of doctors. You might also want to look into getting a therapist during this time.
Next, see if you can look into other accommodations outside of just being more comfortable at work. Can you go part-time? Can you come in later or leave earlier? Do you need to scale back on the meetings? Think about all of these things, because they can make a huge difference in your work performance, health, and happiness.
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to explore professionally, especially when you feel better or when your treatment has ended. It’s okay to change careers, want to do something different with your work, or take classes or workshops that help you grow in your work. Nothing has to be off limits as long as you make sure to take care of yourself in the process.
What if I experience discrimination?
Let’s be honest, there are still a lot of people who don’t understand how cancer or cancer treatments work, leading to some resentment and prejudices in the workplace. If you feel like that is what’s going on at your job, you can always talk to the Human Resources department (HR) if you’re worried about any potential issues. If your workplace has a union, you can also look into other benefits they might have as you navigate this time.
If you have indeed been discriminated against, or feel like it may be happening, start keeping notes, files, and emails on hand in case you decide to pursue that further. This paper trail is especially helpful if you decide to file a discrimination complaint. Always write down names, dates, times, and places. You can file a complaint with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) when or if you do file a complaint. However, keep in mind that you must do this within 180 days of when you think the discrimination occurred (but some states say up to 300 days).
What if I decide not to work?
Hey, that’s your prerogative! Dealing with breast cancer is HARD, whether you’re working or not. The appointments, the medicines, the fatigue, the potential lymphedema, the therapy — everything can play a role in both your mental and physical health. So if you need to stop working while you focus on your own well-being, that’s okay. There can always be another opportunity in the future, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for needing to take time for yourself. We only have one life to live after all.
Working During Cancer Treatment: Bottom Line
Working during cancer treatment may be the option that you decide on, and that’s a-okay. But if that is something you’re serious about doing, please be sure to take care of yourself and talk to your team of professionals about continuing work as you go through treatment. Your team will be able to answer any answers you might have, as well as be able to help you navigate decisions as needed to ensure your mental and physical health is protected.
*The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. The owners, contributors, authors, and publishers of this website are not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of the information on this website.*