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Health Information
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Friday, September 05, 2008
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Earning a Living
What You Can Expect
- Many cancer survivors
wonder whether having a cancer history will make a difference
in their job prospects. Common questions include: Will I be
able to return to work? Take time off for more treatment if
I need it? Work as hard as I once did? Advance in my career?
- There is no one
answer to these questions. Some people choose not to go back
to their jobs while others are not physically able to return.
But most work-able cancer survivors do return to work. Sometimes
it takes a year or more before survivors are ready to return
full-time, but once they go back, they almost always are back
to stay. Cancer survivors have included professional and Olympic
athletes, business executives, artists and musicians, film
stars, and world leaders.
- When cancer survivors
return to work, some have highly supportive employers who
help ease the change from patient back to employee. Others
get back to the routine without much help from their company
or organization. And at some workplaces, wrong ideas and false
fears about cancer cause job-related problems that survivors
must overcome.
- The following
stories reflect the workplace experiences of cancer survivors.
- "After I had my
colostomy, my employer asked me to quit my job because the
cancer was upsetting my fellow workers. He said a demotion
or transfer was possible if I didn't agree. Except for my
wife, that job was my whole world. So rather than quit, I
decided to fight for it. "-Jon H.
- "My employer denies
that my treatment last year for cancer had anything to do
with my not getting a promotion and raise. My boss said I
was being defensive when I suggested that I was being discriminated
against because of my illness. He said he just didn't feel
I was ready for the responsibility at this time. I don't know
what to believe, but I'm looking into my options."-Betty C.
- "When I went back
to work, my boss was honest with me. She said that my situation
had been discussed at a managers' meeting. Some people had
questioned what impact my coming back would have on the company's
insurance rates. Her boss asked how she planned to get the
job done with an employee she could no longer count on to
stay healthy. Fortunately she did some research and found
out that the turnover rate, absenteeism records, and work
performance of people with a cancer history are very much
the same as unaffected workers. Her facts helped correct management's
wrong ideas."-Roy P.
- "I wasn't happy
with my job before my cancer was diagnosed, and I'm no happier
with it now that I'm finished treatment and back to work.
At first I was just grateful that they took me back. I stopped
job hunting for fear that my cancer history would lock me
out of better chances. But a friend convinced me that I shouldn't
give up before I started. I haven't found the job I want yet,
but I have found employers who've given me fair consideration."-Jean
D.
Briefs
- Cancer Survivors
as Employees
- 80 percent of
people with cancer return to work after diagnosis.
- Research shows
that cancer survivors are as productive on the job as other
workers and that they aren't absent from work any more often.
- About 1 in 4 cancer
survivors experience some form of employment discrimination
Tips
for Dealing With Coworkers After Cancer Treatment
- When your coworkers
hear about your illness, many of them will want to help, but
they won't know how. Others may be frightened by your situation,
especially when they don't know much about cancer and today's
potential for treatment and cure. Here are some ideas for
helping them-and you-to resume a good working relationship.
- Plan how you will
deal publicly with your cancer when you are back on the job.
There is no "right" way to interact with others about your
illness. Once they are back at work, some cancer survivors
don't want to focus on their cancer or to be associated with
the disease in people's minds. Others are very open with coworkers
about their experiences. They may have a frank discussion
with their manager or close coworkers to air concerns, correct
wrong ideas, and decide how to work together. The best approach
is the one that feels comfortable for you.
- Keep up contacts
during your treatment and recovery.
Your coworkers will be concerned about you. If they have information
about your treatment and progress, they will be less anxious
and frightened.
It is also important to stay "connected" to the people with
whom you work. Talk by phone. When you are able, have lunch
with friends or stop in for an office party. Plan to rest
before and after if necessary. Your return to work will be
easier for you and your coworkers if you have stayed involved.
- Ask your employer
to educate company employees about cancer.
Research has found that people believe three major myths about
cancer that sometimes affect their attitudes towards cancer
survivors:
Myth #1-Cancer is a death sentence.
Myth #2-Cancer is contagious.
Myth #3-Cancer makes workers less productive.
When coworkers learn the facts about cancer, they realize
that these myths are untrue. Open discussion calms concerns
and resolves fears. You may want to invite a speaker to discuss
the issues such as an expert from a local cancer support organization,
or a doctor, nurse, or social worker who specializes in cancer.
Your company medical department, personnel office, union,
or employee assistance program are possible sponsors for an
educational program. Information efforts might include making
written materials available, holding a brown bag lunch discussion,
or correcting wrong ideas at staff or union meetings.
- Join (or form)
a workplace support group for cancer survivors.
Such groups may include only cancer survivors or both people
with and without cancer. Depending on what members want, support
groups can be anonymous or open. They can provide mutual emotional
support for members, or they can make active efforts to stand
up for the rights of cancer survivors.
- Consider talking
to other coworkers who learn they have cancer.
Share your experiences and insights. Let people who have just
found out they have cancer know that they are not alone. Offer
to do something for them that you wish someone had done for
you.
- Get help if you
need it.
If coworkers attitudes about cancer are making it hard to
do your job, your first step may be trying to resolve the
situation informally with the people involved. Correcting
others' wrong ideas, without being defensive, can be difficult.
But a direct approach may help things change for the better.
When your own efforts don't work, you may want to get help.
Your manager, shop steward, employee assistance counselor,
or personnel office may be able to change coworkers' ideas,
procedures, or the way your job fits in with others' to lessen
problems. It is a good idea to have a workable solution to
suggest when you raise a problem.
Most survivors understandably hesitate to "rock the boat,"
calling company attention to personal problems. When hurtful
remarks or actions get you down, talking to a friend or counselor
may help you put things in perspective. When coworker attitudes
get in the way of doing your job, however, it becomes an issue
that management needs to address.
Your Protection Under
Law
- On July 26, 1992,
the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) went into effect. The ADA bans discrimination by
both private and public employers against qualified workers
who have disabilities or histories of disability. While the
ADA does not specifically include cancer survivors, it is
expected that survivors will be included based on past legal
rulings.
- For two years,
the ADA will cover private employers with 25 or more workers.
Thereafter, it will cover employers with 15 or more workers.
Under this law employers:
- Cannot require
you to take pre-employment exams designed to screen out people
with disabilities such as histories of cancer.
- Can ask you medical
questions only after you are offered employment and only if
the questions relate specifically to the job.
- Complaints filed
under this law are handled by the field offices of the Equal
Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC). These offices
can be located by calling 1-800-669-4000.
Other protection will continue to be provided by the Federal
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which states that federal employers
or companies receiving federal funds cannot discriminate against
handicapped workers, including cancer survivors. This law
protects cancer survivors in hiring practices, promotions,
transfers, and layoffs at the federal level.
- In addition to
federal protection, you may be eligible for employment protection
under state laws. To learn more about your legal rights,
check with:
- Your local American
Cancer Society office. They have state-specific information
pamphlets about cancer and employment discrimination.
- Your social worker,
who may know about laws in your state. He or she also can
tell you which state agency is responsible for protecting
your rights.
- The National Coalition
for Cancer Survivorship. This group offers information and
some legal referrals.
- Your Congressional
representative or senator. Staff working for these officials
can give you information about federal and state laws. If
you aren't sure who represents your district, call the library
or local chapter of the League of Women Voters.
Tips for Changing
Jobs After Cancer Treatment
- When you look
for a new job after cancer treatment, it is important to anticipate
the concerns that your cancer history may raise. Here are
some ideas to help you prepare for the job search.
- Don't discriminate
against yourself. First, take an honest look at your current
skills and capabilities. Then, apply for jobs you know you
can do. Don't try to do more-or settle for less-than you are
able to handle.
.
- Organize your
resume to your best advantage. For example, a chronological
resume may raise questions if cancer treatment or recovery
interrupted your career. To avoid pointing up those gaps,
you might organize your resume by skills or achievements instead
of by dates of employment.
- Get a letter from
your doctor (on office or hospital stationery) that explains
your health situation for employers. Have the doctor talk
specifically about your physical ability to perform the type
of work you are seeking. If you are in good health now, ask
the doctor to verify your good health in the letter. The doctor
also may include statements about the documented work ability
of cancer survivors nationwide.
- Don't lie about
your cancer history if an employer or an application asks
you directly.
- Always qualify
your "yes" with positive statements about your current health
(including the doctor's letter noted above).
- Don't volunteer
health information if no one asks. You have no legal responsibility
to mention your cancer unless it directly relates to the job
you seek.
- Practice answering
possible questions about your health history before an interview.
Be confident and avoid sounding defensive.
- Consider working
with a job counselor who can help you prepare fully for your
job search.
Options for Handling Job Problems
- Decide what
you want to do about an employment problem.
- Do you still want
to work there?
- Are you willing
to take action to correct a problem?
- Would you rather
try to find a different job?
- Educate your
employer.
- Give management
the facts about cancer survivors' dependability on the job.
- Have your doctor
explain how, if at all, your personal cancer history may affect
your work or your schedule.
- Ask your employer
to adjust to your needs.
- Start by talking
informally to your supervisor, the personnel office, employee
assistance program, shop steward, or union representative.
- Ask for a specific
change that would make it easier for you to keep your job
(e.g., flextime, working at home, special equipment at the
office).
- Document your
requests and the outcome for your records.
- The Federal Government
and many private companies are now required to make "reasonable
accommodations" to meet the needs of "disabled" employees
if this does not cause the employer "undue hardship." Although
cancer survivors may not feel "disabled," they may be legally
protected under this umbrella term. Simple changes employers
are required to make include:
- Making facilities
accessible (e.g., having desks, aisles, and restrooms that
accommodate a wheelchair).
- Allowing an employee
to work a flexible schedule to adjust for treatment-related
absences.
- Changing the way
a job works (e.g., letting an employee work part-time or share
a job).
The Job Accommodation Network can help you and your employer
find out about accommodations that have worked for other companies.
This hotline is a project of the President's Committee on
the Employment of People with Disabilities. Call 1-800-526-7234
for more information.
- Get help working
with your employer if you need it.
- People that can
support you include: your doctor or nurse; medical social
workers, state rehabilitation workers; staff and volunteers
at your local American Cancer Society; advocacy groups for
disabled workers; your family and friends.
- Talk about
your legal rights with the agencies that enforce anti-discrimination
laws.
- State commissions
on discrimination
- State affirmative
action offices
- U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights in your
region
- U.S. Department
of Labor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance programs in
your region
- A medical social
worker or your local American Cancer Society can help you
find out whom to contact.
- Talk to an
attorney with experience in solving on-the-job discrimination
problems.
- Talk to your local
bar association or cancer support organization to find a qualified
lawyer.
- The National Coalition
for Cancer Survivorship offers limited referrals to attorneys
with expertise in this area.
- Discuss any formal
procedures your company may have for settling disputes.
- Consider filing
a discrimination complaint under state or federal law.
Resources
- Information about
cancer is available from the sources listed below. You may
wish to check for additional information at your local library
or bookstore and from support groups in your community
ADDITIONAL READING
- Many cancer survivors
have concerns related to their jobs. They may worry, for example,
about job discrimination. The following publications can help
you understand your legal rights as a person with a history
of cancer.
- Cancer: Your
Job, Insurance, and the Law American Cancer Society.
- Answers job and
insurance-related questions often asked by cancer survivors.
Booklet is free. Call 1-800-ACS-2345.
- Charting the
Journey: An Almanac of Practical Resources for Cancer Survivors
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) Guides cancer
survivors to resources for legal concerns, medical treatment,
emotional support, self-help, and family issues. Call 301-650-8868.
For NCCS members, cost is $12.00; nonmembers can order from
Consumer Reports Books, 9180 Le Saint Drive, Fairfield, OH
45014, cost is $14.95.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- National Rehabilitation
Information Center (NARIC)
8455 Colesville Road, Suite 935
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(800) 34-NARIC(voice/TDD)
- The National Rehabilitation
Information Center provides information regarding job rehabilitation.
- National Coalition
for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
1010 Wayne Avenue, 5th Floor
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 650-8868
- The National Coalition
for Cancer Survivorship is a network of independent groups
and individuals concerned with survivorship and support of
cancer survivors and their loved ones. NCCS's primary goal
is to promote a national awareness of issues affecting cancer
survivors. Its objectives are to:
- Serve as a clearing
house for information on services and materials for survivors.
- Advocate the rights
and interests of cancer survivors.
- Encourage the
study of survivorship.
- Promote the development
of cancer support activities.
- Cancer Information
Service
- The Cancer Information
Service, a program of the National Cancer Institute, is a
nationwide telephone service for cancer patients and their
families and friends, the public, and health care professionals.
The staff can answer questions (in English or Spanish) and
send free National Cancer Institute booklets about cancer.
They also know about local resources and services. One toll-free
number 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), connects callers all
over the country with the office that serves their area.
- American Cancer
Society (ACS)
- The American Cancer
Society is a voluntary organization with a national office
and local units all over the country. This organization supports
research, conducts educational programs, and offers many services
to patients and their families. The American Cancer Society
also provides free booklets on cancer. To obtain booklets,
or for information about services and activities in local
areas, call the Society's toll-free number, 1-800-ACS-2345
(1-800 227-2345), or the number listed under American Cancer
Society in the white pages of the telephone book.
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