Workplace

The decision to disclose your cancer or the cancer of someone in your family to your employer is entirely yours to make. As an employee, you have no legal obligation to talk to your employer about your cancer experience. You need to feel comfortable about what you tell people…it may be a good idea to tell your human resources manager or your supervisor about your life outside work. As a patient, you may need to take time off for treatment either in hospital or as an outpatient. If your family member has cancer, you may need time off to accompany them for tests and treatment or to visit them in hospital. Not everyone needs to know everything, but telling some people can be a good idea because then you don’t have to keep explaining yourself when you have to attend appointments or when you’re having a bad day. You may be pleasantly surprised at how supportive your workmates can be when you tell them.

If you start to experience challenges at work because of your cancer experience, promote some changes that may make it easier to continue working, for example more flexible working hours, working from home or having special equipment to make your work environment more comfortable. If you feel you need help with your employer, ask the appropriate member of the medical team to contact your employer or go to your local cancer support agency for further assistance.

Cancer may only be a temporary setback, but unfortunately the disease does have the potential to affect your future career goals. If you are interested in a career in a certain industry that requires particular physical or intellectual capabilities, you may need to find out what kind of effect, if any, cancer may have. You may find that it not exactly possible to do exactly what you had in mind….but don’t be discouraged. Sometimes career aspirations change out of choice, owing to the cancer journey. The world has lots of possibilities and options….it’s just up to you how you explore them!