Afraid to tell your employer you have cancer? Consider these 3 things

Deciding whom to share about their cancer diagnosis can be a heavy decision for cancer patients. Some cancer patients and survivors have been on the receiving end of discrimination or stereotypes, although laws exist to prevent this from happening. However, there can also be beneficial outcomes to telling your manager and HR department about your diagnosis.

Let’s consider three things if you’re afraid to tell your employer you have cancer.

1. Telling your direct manager about your cancer diagnosis can be helpful in the long run.

A cancer diagnosis will generate a treatment plan. Depending upon what type of treatment is recommended, you could have recurring doctor appointments or recovery time that will interfere with your regular working hours.

At the end of the day, you don’t know how your manager is going to react to what you share. “A boss can turn out to be far more than just a supervisor — he/she can be a source of hope and encouragement and potentially act as a necessary advocate,” shares Cancer + Careers, an organization helping people thrive in the workplace.

MANAGERS: Not sure what to say when your employee shares they have cancer? Check out these resources. If your employer offers Wheelhouse benefits at your company, we can help train you on what to say and how you can put your employee in direct contact with the Wheelhouse team! Talk with your human resources department about your interest in learning more, or contact us here.

2. Know what your employer can and cannot legally do in the hiring process or once you disclose your cancer diagnosis.

Cancer + Careers shares that generally, “the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) protects you only if you’ve made your employer aware of a medical condition.”

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) has protections specifically for cancer patients. Explore what an employer can and cannot do based on these laws. You’ll find answers to questions you might be asking right now, like:

• Do I need to disclose that I have cancer before accepting a job offer?
• What does my employer need to keep confidential about my diagnosis?
• Can my employer ask if I have cancer if they see changes in my performance?
• What accommodations can be made so I can continue working while I have cancer?

3. Using Wheelhouse cancer benefits provides a safe, confidential space for employees with a cancer scare, diagnosis, or for those in survivorship.

If your employer provides you with Wheelhouse cancer benefits, chances are they want to see you succeed and have included us in your benefits for that very reason! They understand that the traditional healthcare system leaves many gaps for cancer patients and survivors and want to provide you with tools to thrive.

While your employer provides Wheelhouse cancer benefits to you, and in some cases, to eligible dependents at no charge, Wheelhouse does not disclose the names of employees or family members who are using our services to the employer. It is your choice whether you share with your HR department, supervisor, or coworker that you are using Wheelhouse services. If you disclose your cancer diagnosis or survivorship to your HR team, they may contact Wheelhouse to connect you with our care team and help support you through your journey.

With written consent, Wheelhouse can help guide conversations between you and your human resources department. For example, cancer survivors can find this beneficial in order to create a  back-to-work plan that benefits both the employer and you as the employee.

If you’re afraid or have reservations about telling  your employer you have cancer, consider the resources above and getting advice from a trusted individual. Wheelhouse members can always contact Wheelhouse at wheelhousecares.com/members.

Did you learn anything new about cancer in the workplace? Let us know in the comments!

Whether you’re an employer or employee and have questions about using Wheelhouse benefits, contact us today.