Many people consider their work and career path to be an important part of life, for financial and personal reasons. Whether you’re working through breast cancer treatment or returning to work afterward, it’s normal to worry how your cancer history may affect your ability to work, earn a living and maintain health insurance, and progress toward your career goals.
Working during treatment or returning to work after treatment can have many benefits, including:
But working after a cancer diagnosis can be a challenge. How do you balance your physical needs with the pressures of work? Can you ask your employer to help you to make it easier to do your job? Do you have to tell employers (or potential employers) about your diagnosis?
It’s OK to admit when you feel overwhelmed or need help. Only you can decide when you feel ready for work or how much you can handle during treatment. But if you’re ready and able to work you may be able to get accommodations — changes to your job that make it easier for you to work — from your employer, so you can continue to do your job despite health issues.
Discuss with your employer if it’s possible to adjust your schedule, to take time off for treatment or recovery, or if there are other ways to work around your needs. Learn what you are entitled to under the law; this may include reasonable accommodations, like a modified schedule, or protected medical leave.
You may have questions about how and when to talk about your breast cancer experience at work and struggle with making those decisions. Whether you are just starting out, building a career, or have been with your employer for years, you can plan an approach to dealing with job concerns that’s right for you.
At work, you have a right to privacy. You don’t have to share personal information if you don’t want to. Since you may see your co-workers every day, carefully consider whom, if anyone, you want to tell about your diagnosis. Your co-workers are not required to protect your privacy, so be cautious in sharing your information. Decide if sharing the news may disrupt your day-to-day work life or expand your support network.
If you need an accommodation at work, such as a change in your work hours, you’ll be required to disclose some information to your human resources agent, but you may not be required to share your breast cancer diagnosis. You may also decide to tell your supervisor about your medical condition. Both are required by law to keep your health information private, but you should realize that they may need to share some information up the chain of command.
Learn more about telling employers and coworkers about your diagnosis.
You have legal rights in the workplace and should be given equal opportunities. Hiring and promotion should depend on your abilities and qualifications. You can’t be fired based on your medical condition.
If you work for a private employer with 15 or more employees (or other covered agency or organization), and you are eligible, you may ask for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These accommodations may include shortened hours, modified work schedules, or reassignment. State or local laws may also protect you.
You may also be able to move to a part-time schedule for a limited time or take off a few days a week through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) without the threat of losing your job or health insurance benefits. Not all employees are covered under these laws; it depends on the size of your employer and other factors. For more information about these laws and the state laws and resources that may be useful to you, visit Triage Cancer.
Employee Assistance Programs can help you deal with personal problems that may affect your job performance, such as emotional and financial concerns.
Talk to your human resources representative to find out what your options are and if benefits are available. You can also visit the Job Accommodation Network for more information.
If you think your rights at work may have been violated, resources are available to help at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.
Your career, your health
Hear how Tiffany did
Tiffany, a busy marketing executive, shares her story about being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer while balancing a demanding new job. Tiffany had to make difficult decisions about her health and career, ultimately discovering self-care strategies to lead a more balanced and “zen” life. Learn about her experiences in this Can and Did podcast episode.
If you left your job during treatment, or if you decide after treatment that you want a career change, you might want to think about revising your resume to focus on your skills rather than time periods worked. Think about what you want to say in interviews if your resume has long time gaps. It is common for future employers to ask about them. Other tips:
For more information about the job search process, visit Cancer and Careers.
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Reviewed and updated: October 8, 2024
Reviewed by: Aimee Hoch, MSW, LSW, OSW-C, FACCC , Terri Marchlewski*
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Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.
