Breast cancer does not have a negative long-term impact on the careers of most women. There may be problems in the work place in the short term, but they do not affect the long term.

If you do not have one already, look for an advisor who can help you figure out the best way to handle work issues.

If you have not told your employer or co-workers about your condition yet, think about whether to continue to keep it a secret. The greater the secret and the longer you keep it, the greater the stress. It may be very difficult to keep the secret if you need time off to take your treatment or if you suffer from side effects.

You may need hours or even days away from work because of your treatment, or you may need an accommodation at work because of treatment side effects. For instance, if you have fatigue, you may need rest time. If you have diarrhea, you may need to work near a bathroom. If you are undergoing chemtherapy and get what is commonly referred to as "Chemo Brain" you may need to have deadlines extended. Negotiate for what you need. If you do not ask for an accommodation, and your work suffers, you can be fired. 

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws provide protection against discrimination and require reasonable accommodations to allow you to do your work. However, if your treatment is interfering with your job and you have not disclosed your condition, the ADA does not provide any protection.

If you need to take time off, think about how to do it in a manner that maximizes your income and benefits.

• Call your time away from work whatever will maximize time off with benefits.
• Learn about protections such as the Family And Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• Think about where income will come from.

Keep track of facts that would be relevant to a discrimination claim "just in case."

When you have a chance, review employer benefits from the perspective of a woman with breast cancer.

If you have Stage 3 or Stage 4 breast cancer, it is wise to start planning in case in the future you want to stop work, or have to. For example, let your doctor know how your breast cancer or treatment affects your job. Be specific. Ask him or her to note the facts in your medical record.

NOTE: 

• This document only covers subjects of general immediate concern to women in treatment for breast cancer. Additional work subjects are contained in Work: At Work.
• Information for small business owners and self employed people is covered in the documents in "To Learn More."

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