Insurance, Work & School

Things that may have once felt under control — like going to school or work, or managing your budget — can be thrown into disarray by a cancer diagnosis, and it is normal to feel disoriented and to have questions.

It is against the law to fire someone because of a cancer diagnosis. In fact, your employer may be obligated to make certain accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should you need them.

How can I manage cancer if I'm currently working?

Adjusting to life with cancer while maintaining the steadiness of a job can be demanding.
Some common career related fears:

  • Underperformance due to fatigue/inability to concentrate
  • Losing your job because of your cancer
  • Inability to pursue other opportunities because of fear of losing health insurance
  • Fear of not finding a job after your treatment

All of these fears are legitimate and common. Remember – it is your choice when and how to discuss your diagnosis with your boss or Human Resources Department. This can be a nerve-racking decision. Who do I tell? When will I tell them? How will this impact my job performance? First things first: it is against the law to fire someone because of a cancer diagnosis. In fact, your employer may be obligated to make certain accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should you need them.

What can I do if I'm still in school and am diagnosed with cancer?

So you’ve determined your treatment plan with your health care team, but how does that fit with your other responsibilities like coursework and exams? Treatment can take a physical and mental toll on you. You may find a decreased ability to concentrate during treatment, feelings of sadness or fatigue, and pain or nausea during treatment cycles. This will likely impact your performance in school. Schedule a time to meet with an advisor or trusted instructor to talk about your overall goals in school and your goals during treatment. Work with him/her to devise a plan where you can meet these goals and still make your cancer treatment a priority. Keep in mind this may mean taking some time off or reducing your course load.

View a list of organizations that can help patients and families deal with cancer.

Resources