Colorectal Cancer: In Treatment: At Work: Stages 0,I

It may help get through treatment if you keep in mind that colorectal cancer does not have a negative long-term impact on the careers of most people. There may be problems in the work place in the short term, but they do not affect the long term.

If you have not told your employer or co-workers about your condition yet, think about whether to continue to keep it a secret. On the one hand, there is no need to tell because surgery removes all evidence of disease. You will not need any accommodation at work because of your condition or treatment. On the other hand, the greater the secret and the longer you keep it, the greater the stress. While having cancer of any kind, no matter that it can be removed with no evidence of disease, is stressful. (For more information, click here)

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws protect against discrimination in the workplace if your condition rises to the level of a "disability" within the meaning of the law. A diagnosis of stage 0,1 does not seem to meet that requirement.

If you have a recurrence, you can reconsider the situation then. (For information about work and recurrence, click here.)

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

When you have a chance, review employer benefits from the perspective of a person with cancer. You may want to add to your benefits or perhaps change health insurance policies when you have an opportunity. (For tips about reviewing employer benefits, click here.)

To learn more, see:

• If You Haven't Told About Your Condition At Work
• If You Need To Take Hours, Days Or Weeks Off From Work
• Review Employer Benefits In Light Of Your Diagnosis

NOTE: Information for small business owners and self employed people is covered in the documents in "To Learn More."

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