Returning to Work
Many cancer survivors were diagnosed when they were still working. Some people stop work, some people continue working.
Going back to work after the treatment is an adjustment. However, going back to work could help your self-esteem and help you see that you have a life outside of your cancer diagnosis.
Sharing with colleagues
Some people may wonder if they need to tell someone at work about their cancer. More and more people know other people who have gone through cancer and have returned to work without a problem, so it’s usually not a problem from the perspective of the employee or the employer. It’s up to you what you decide to share and with whom.
Your cancer experience may bring you closer with some people, but it may frighten others because it reminds them that cancer can happen to anyone, and it may have little impact on others. Just be mindful that everyone has their own way of handling things and people process things differently. The most important thing is you take care of yourself.
Can you do the same work you did before?
Most people can go back to their jobs. Sometimes the cancer, cancer treatment, or both, cause changes, such as fatigue, chronic pain, and cognitive difficulties that are considered disabilities under the American Disability Act. According to this law, if a person is qualified to do his or her job, employers must adjust for employees with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of their job.
Examples of accommodations may include: a change in the number of hours worked, job duties or workspace, permission to work from home, reassignment to another position, job sharing, etc.
What if I can’t work?
If it turns out that you are unable to work after a diagnosis of cancer, here’s some tips that may help you:
- If you have a job and are unable to work, contact your human resources department at your employer to discuss your disability options. Some states have state sponsored disability programs. If so, contact the state disability board for information. If you don’t have disability options through work and are a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for federal disability insurance offered through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- If you had/have health insurance through work find out your current rights under federal and state laws, as they sometimes change. At the time of this writing, insurance companies cannot deny coverage or charge you more under group insurance because of a pre-existing condition.
- If you leave your job where you have/had insurance, consider keeping the insurance by signing up for coverage under COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). COBRA gives you the right to temporarily keep your group health insurance benefits if you reduce your hours, quit your job, or lose your job; however, you may have to pay the full cost.
What about school?
If you are a student and have taken a leave, returning to school may be a concern. Visit the UNC AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) Program for helpful information.
Resources at UNC
Additional Resources
- The Cancer Support Community publishes “Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Coping with the Cost of Care,” a free resource.
- The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) offers some great educational resources on their page ASCO Financial Resources. There are many organizations that provide financial assistance for transportation, household items/repairs, lodging and other financial supports. Talk with your local social worker about what organizations might be available in your area.
- Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) provides education, legal counseling, and referrals to cancer patients. It specializes in matters related to managed care, insurance, financial issues, job discrimination, and debt management.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides fact sheets about job discrimination, protections under the Americans With Disabilities Act, and employer responsibilities. It also coordinates investigations of employment discrimination.
- Social Security offers information on how to apply, benefits, and retirement.
- Cancer and Careers has comprehensive website, free publications, career coaching, and a series of support groups and educational seminars for employees with cancer and their healthcare providers and coworkers, Cancer and Careers strives to eliminate fear and uncertainty for working people with cancer.