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Do I Tell My Boss I Have Cancer?
Some cancer survivors tell their boss about their health. Others prefer not to. Some people are afraid of losing their jobs because they have cancer. Only you can decide what is right for you. It is a good idea to get professional advice. This is important if you are applying for a new job, too.
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You might want to tell your boss if:
- You may need time off for treatments or because you do not feel well.
- You may be able to take Family and Medical Leave.
- You are applying for a new job.
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You might not want to tell your boss if:
- You are afraid you won’t get a raise or promotion.
- You don’t want people to feel sorry for you.
- You are afraid of losing your job.
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Employee Assistance Programs
Some employers have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that help employees deal with personal problems that might affect work and overall well-being. These are private and confidential services. You also can contact our local chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the information resource center at http://www.lls.org/ or 800-955-4572 for more information.
The Family and Medical Leave Act
The FMLA states that employers with 50 or more employees must give workers up to 12 weeks of time off without pay. Employees who are sick or who need to care for sick family members can use the FMLA. The FMLA is for employees who have worked at least 25 hours per week for one year.
Job Discrimination
Studies show that about 1 in 4 cancer survivors is treated differently because of his or her cancer. Job discrimination is against the law. Get advice about what to do if you think you are being treated differently at work because of your illness. Keep your own record of hours worked and time off for medical appointments or illness. The Federal Rehabilitation Act helps ensure equal opportunity for work for people with cancer and other disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) says that employers with 15 or more workers cannot treat an employee differently because he or she has cancer or may need time off to care for a spouse with cancer. Request publications explaining the ADA provisions by calling 800-669-EEOC.
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