When individuals are diagnosed with cancer, they are often faced with decisions about how to navigate the workplace, including whether to work through treatment or take time off work. Some individuals may find that they need to replace lost wages while taking time off and need information about disability insurance. Others are concerned about disclosing their cancer diagnosis to their employer or a potential employer. Caregivers may also face work-related issues. This page contains legal and practical resources to help individuals effectively navigate employment & workplace issues after a cancer diagnosis.
Our Resources
Chart of State Laws: Employment & Disability Insurance
Quick Guide to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Quick Guide to Reasonable Accommodations
Checklist: Reasonable Accommodations
Quick Guide to Disclosure, Privacy, & Medical Certification Forms
Quick Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Extended Quick Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Quick Guide to How the FMLA Works with Other Benefits
Quick Guide to Disability Insurance
Quick Guide to the Timing of Social Security Disability Insurance & Medicare Benefits
Quick Guide to Medical Marijuana
Triage Cancer Educational Blogs – Employment
CancerFinances.org – Disability Insurance Module
Our Videos
Our Webinars
Other Resources
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) – Cancer
JAN Accommodation Ideas By Occupation or Industry
Sample Accommodation Request Form Letter
Employee Accommodation Inquiry Letter
Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship Under the ADA
Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Disability-Related Inquiries and Medical Examinations of Employees Under the ADA
JAN Disability Disclosure and Employment
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Disability Discrimination
U.S. Department of Labor – Wage & Hour Division: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
U.S. Department of Labor Model Medical Certification Form – Employee’s Serious Health Condition
U.S. Department of Labor Model Medical Certification Form – Family Member’s Serious Health Condition
U. S. Department of Labor – Employee’s Guide to the FMLA
U. S. Department of Labor – Employer’s Guide to the FMLA
U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA): Workers & Families
U.S. Department of Labor – EBSA: COBRA Social Security Administration (SSA)
U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment – Workplace Accommodation Toolkit
Create an online SSA account to view your Social Security statement
Cancer and Careers has several resources that can be very useful for individuals looking for work.
- Free Resume Review Service
- Free Career Coaching
- Job Search Toolkit (free download)
- Professional Development Grants
Flexjobs.com is a paid service designed to help job seekers find legitimate flexible jobs (e.g., part-time, telecommuting, etc.).
Research & Data
Institute of Medicine Report (2008): Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs
Institute of Medicine Report (2005): From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition
Breast Cancer: A Story Half Told
LIVESTRONG: 2010 Survey Report
LIVESTRONG: 2010 Survey Results Infograph