Work and School During Treatment
Balancing Treatment with Work or School
Many young adults continue working or going to school during breast cancer treatment, while others take time away. The right choice for you depends on your treatment plan, how side effects affect your daily life, and the type of work or studies you do.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so it’s important to talk with your doctor about what to expect and what’s realistic for you.
If you stay in school or at work, you may wonder how much to share about your diagnosis and who needs to know. Think ahead about the conversations you want to have with professors, classmates, employers, or coworkers. Understanding your rights as a student or employee with a medical condition can also give you peace of mind. If your workplace has a human resources department—or your school has a student support office—they can walk you through options for accommodations and provide guidance as you navigate this part of your life.
Sharing Your Diagnosis at Work or School
Talking about your diagnosis can feel hard, especially in work or school settings. Some people keep it private for a while; others choose to speak up right away. There’s no single “right” approach. You get to decide who to tell, when to tell them, and how much to share. Trust your instincts, give yourself time to gather your thoughts, and choose the words and timing that feel right for you.
Telling Your Boss or Supervisor
- You’re not obligated to inform them about your diagnosis.
- Some people decide to share if they need flexibility for appointments, treatment, or recovery.
- Before you share, decide how much information feels right; just the diagnosis, treatment details, or something in between.
- A trusted advisor or colleague can help you prepare or even support you during the conversation.
Considering Accommodations
- You may need changes to your schedule, workspace, or duties.
- If you’re unsure, it’s okay to say: “I don’t know what I’ll need yet, but I’ll let you know when I do.”
Sharing with Coworkers or Classmates
- You don’t have to share if you’d rather keep things private.
- Some find support from peers helpful. Colleagues can:
- Offer encouragement
- Help with personal tasks
- In some cases, donate vacation days
Knowing Your Rights and Asking for Support
If you need flexibility at work or school during treatment, you’re not alone, and you have legal rights that can help. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), cancer qualifies as a disability if the disease or its treatment affects your “major life activities.” That means your employer is required by law to provide reasonable accommodations. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces these protections, and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may also apply if you need extended time off.
At Work
- Review your company’s policies on medical leave, flex time, and short- or long-term disability benefits.
- If a coworker has received accommodations in the past, ask them how they navigated the process.
- Remember: discussions with your supervisor are legally protected. Your boss cannot share your health information without your consent. However, there are no laws that prevent coworkers from sharing your personal information with others.
At School
- Let your teachers know you may need to miss classes for appointments or when you aren’t feeling well.
- Ask how they’d like you to communicate if you’re absent, and whether they can be flexible about attendance or assignments.
Planning Your Conversation
Before you sit down with your boss or teacher, make a plan:
- Choose the right time and place. Aim for a private setting without interruptions.
- Decide how much to share. You might say only that you have a diagnosis, or include details about your treatment plan. Planning ahead helps you avoid saying more than you intended.
- Identify accommodations you may need. These could include:
- Changes to your schedule
- Adjustments to your workspace
- Modified duties or equipment
- If you’re unsure about the accommodations you may need, be honest. It’s fine to say: “I don’t know what I’ll need yet, but I’ll let you know when I do.”
