Handling a Critical Illness in the Office

March 26, 2007— -- The recent revelation that Elizabeth Edwards' cancer had returned and that a "hot spot" has been detected on her right hip in addition to the cancer found in one of her ribs has brought renewed public attention to the disease that claims 500,000 American lives a year.

Richard Nixon may have declared "war on cancer" 36 years ago but today, the loss of life due to the insidious disease is equivalent to three fully loaded jumbo jets crashing every day. Since 2005, the disease passed heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States.

For survivors, it's bad enough being diagnosed with the "big C" -- but how do they cope with earning a living while battling the disease?

The American Society of Clinical Oncology says cancer survivors who return to the workplace can face subtle or obvious discrimination. Some employers, the Society says, may assume that a worker's productivity will decline or that performance will fall below the company's standards.

There is concern, too, about the impact on the cost of health insurance which is underwritten by the employer.

There may be discrimination when it comes to promotions or transfers, the Society says. This may include a demotion, being refused a job opening or having trouble taking time off for medical appointments. These difficulties may also be faced by family members who are helping care for the bread winner.

While employees are protected at work by law, Tenbroeck Smith, a director of research for the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, says there is no legal requirement to tell anyone about your condition.

"If your cancer doesn't affect your ability to do the job, there is no reason to tell," he says. "If it's a prospective employer, there is still no reason to tell as long as you are not in active treatment."

The Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits workplace discrimination based on disabilities, including diseases such as cancer, for employers with more than 15 workers. The Family Medical Leave Act requires employers with 50 or more workers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious illness.