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When you are diagnosed with cancer, you may not be thinking about your job. However, talking to your employer is important if you intend to continue working. Set up an appointment with your employer. Ask for the meeting to be in private and confidential. Cover only the aspects of your cancer that you are comfortable speaking about. Make sure you talk with your employer about time off, workload, implications of the cancer, working from home, reactions and any other issues that may arise due to your specific cancer or treatment plan. Your employer should understand your need for any special arrangements in the coming months. With regard to co-workers, disclosure of your cancer is a personal decision and should be based on your relationships within the office. Questions will arise if you are consistently late to work, leave early or miss work for long time periods. It may be a good idea to provide a general idea of your situation, without letting your personal life spill out at the office. It is your responsibility to live up to the standards that you have set for yourself at work. If possible, you should schedule doctor’s appointments around work commitments. You should continue to do your job to the best of your ability, if you have chosen to continue working. Your employer and co-workers will understand your need to cut down on hours and workload if you keep up your usual quality of work.
Below are some links to other relevant articles on this subject: American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): |
Coping with Cancer 