Breast Cancer and the Workplace

If you are employed, some of your greatest concerns about having breast cancer may be related to its impact on your job. 

How will people react? 
Will you be able to continue working? 
How much work will you miss? 
Will you lose your job? 

The answers to these questions depend very much on your personal situation.  Some people are very secure in their jobs and have significant benefits – insurance plans, sick leave policies – and a supportive environment.  Others work where they cannot afford to lose time on the job and their insurance does not fully cover their expenses.  People who are self-employed may worry that they will be unable to handle their workload and may lose their clients.  All these situations require individual responses, but here are some general guidelines for dealing with work during your breast cancer treatment.

• Decide which people you have to tell, or want to tell, about your diagnosis and when.  Employers or supervisors may need to know, especially if you miss a great deal of work or must go on disability.  Telling co-workers and colleagues about your breast cancer diagnosis allows them to provide assistance and support.
• People vary enormously regarding how much time they take off from work, and some prefer to take none at all.  Some breast cancer patients choose to maintain a normal or almost normal schedule, others cut back on their work commitments, while still others decide to focus their time and energy completely on their treatment for the duration.  Your decision will depend on your own personality, your work situation, and your breast cancer. 
• Discriminating against people with medical conditions, including breast cancer, is illegal.  Talk to your human resources department to understand your rights and responsibilities while you undergo treatments.
• You should know what your insurance covers before beginning treatment.  Insurance plans range from bare bones to very comprehensive.  While your treatment should not be dictated by your insurance coverage, you should know up front what to expect.  If problems arise, discuss them with afinancial services representative at your treatment center.